Breakthrough in Witness D murder: Suspect arrested in Brakpan killing

The Madlanga Commission of inquiry has welcomed the arrest of a suspect in connection with the murder of Marius Van Der Merwe, known as Witness D. 

Van Der Merwe testified before the commission about alleged corruption within the Ekurhuleni Metro Police, implicating suspended EMPD Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi, adding that he had asked him to dispose of a body.  

Witness D was shot and killed outside his home in Brakpan shortly after giving testimony at the commission.

Commission Spokesperson Jeremy Michaels said that Van Der Merwe's bravery has helped the commission uncover alleged wrongdoing in the municipality…

"The commission urges the relevant law enforcement agencies to ensure justice for the families of all those affected by people who are attempting to resist accountability for their alleged acts of criminality."

Police are expected to give further details in the next hour about a suspect who is believed to be the trigger man in the murder.

This is the first arrest following the work of a task team established to investigate cases emanating from the commission.