Car Used In Witness D Assassination Found Abandoned In Alexandra, Says Police Commissioner

South African Police Service (SAPS) National Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, has confirmed that officers have recovered one of the vehicles allegedly used in the killing of witness Marius “Vlam” van der Merwe.

The car, believed to be a getaway bakkie, was discovered abandoned in Alexandra, north of Johannesburg.

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Masemola explained that two vehicles — a sedan and a bakkie — were used during the attack.

“We are still looking for the other vehicle. We do believe that the bakkie that was abandoned in Alexandra township is the right one. Our crime scene experts will do further investigations on the vehicle,” he said.

The commissioner also revealed that investigators have identified three persons of interest and have already taken one individual in for questioning following Friday’s fatal shooting of van der Merwe, who was known as Witness D at the Madlanga Commission.

Investigation Accelerates After High-Profile Assassination

Speaking during a walkabout in Saulsville on Monday, Masemola assured the public that the team probing the assassination is making steady progress and expects a breakthrough soon.

Affectionately called “Vlam”, van der Merwe was shot dead in Brakpan in full view of his wife and children in what police are treating as a planned hit.

The slain witness recently implicated Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi in alleged misconduct, stating that Mkhwanazi instructed him to conceal the murder of a suspect by EMPD and SAPS members.

CCTV Footage Reveals Moments Before the Killing

CCTV recordings from Friday night have surfaced, allegedly showing van der Merwe speaking to the men believed to have orchestrated his assassination.

“We are confident that soon we will register a breakthrough as police remain on high alert for those behind the killing of Mr van der Merwe. Safe to say, investigations are on the right track,” Masemola said.

He added that the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS), together with the Madlanga Commission, has devised a plan to strengthen security measures for officials and witnesses involved with the commission.

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