National intelligence structure agrees to bolster Madlanga Commission security

The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) has agreed to enhance the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry’s security operational plan following the murder of one of the witnesses.

Marius van der Merwe, who testified as Witness D, was shot and killed outside his home in Brakpan on Friday night.

During his testimony, he spoke about the 2022 murder of a robbery suspect in Brakpan and an alleged cover-up involving suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) acting chief Julius Mkhwanazi.

The Madlanga Commission said its officials met with NATJOINTS chairs, including the police, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the State Security Agency (SSA).

It said the meeting agreed to enhance the commission’s security operational plan over the next two days.

The commission said while measures had been put in place for the security of witnesses and officials since the start of its work, the meeting identified the need to heighten these measures.

The officials have also urged the public not to speculate about van der Merwe’s murder as investigations are ongoing.

Meanwhile, political parties and organisations, including the South African Council of Churches (SACC) have condemned van den Merwe’s killing, calling for the government to provide around-the-clock protection for witnesses.