Saturday, December 6, 2025
Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has sent her condolences to the family of Marius van der Merwe, who was shot and killed in front of his family in Brakpan last night.
Van der Merwe was “Witness D” at the Madlanga Commission and had recently testified before the Commission.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time,” Kubayi said.
Addressing the media in Pretoria this morning, Kubayi said Van de Merwe was offered security but he declined the offer, saying he had his own security and he owned a security company.
“After this development, I did interacted with Advocate Khumalo, who is responsible for security at the Commission, to discuss security issues. There is a need to review security issues,” Kubayi said.
Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Van der Merwe.
Van der Merwe was a Brakpan-based security industry member and former Ekhurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department official. He was shot and killed outside his Brakpan home.
The South African Police Service has launched a manhunt for the suspects involved in the killing of Van der Merwe.
The Madlanga Commission — officially called the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System — this morning issued a statement on the passing of Van der Merwe.
“The Commission has noted with profound sadness the brutal killing of one of its witnesses, Mr Marius van der Merwe.
“The Commission would like to acknowledge Mr Van der Merwe’s contribution towards uncovering serious allegations of criminality and corruption in the Ekhuruleni Metropolitan Municipality and Ekhuruleni Metropolitan Police Department.
“The Commission extends its deepest condolences to the Van der Merwe family.” – SAnews.gov.za
