Suspect arrested in murder of Madlanga Commission witness

A suspect is expected to appear in the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court on Monday in connection with the murder of Marius Van Der Merwe, a key witness at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.

Van Der Merwe had testified about alleged corruption within the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD), implicating suspended EMPD Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi.

He told the commission that Mkhwanazi had asked him to dispose of a body. Van Der Merwe was shot and killed outside his home shortly after providing his testimony.

READ MORE:

Whistleblower protection under fire after Marius van der Merwe murder

'Attack on justice': Witness Marius van der Merwe killed after commission testimony

Assassinated whistleblower Marius van der Merwe: 'I want to speak out before they kill me'

This arrest is the first following the work of the task team established to investigate cases emanating from the Madlanga inquiry. Police believe the suspect was the shooter in the murder.

Police Spokesperson Athlenda Mathe stated that there is overwhelming evidence linking the accused to the crime scene.

"After obtaining overwhelming evidence, the team obtained a J50 warrant of arrest this week and made their first arrest," Mathe said.

"The suspect believed to be the one who allegedly shot and killed Marius Van Der Merwe was arrested in Johannesburg. The vehicle believed to have been used on the day that Witness D was murdered has also been seized."