CCTV Captures Final Moments Of Madlanga Commission Whistle-Blower Marius van der Merwe Before Fatal Shooting

CCTV footage has revealed the final moments of Marius van der Merwe, known as “Witness D” at the Madlanga Commission, who was gunned down outside his Brakpan home on Friday.

The security industry member and former EMPD officer can be seen talking to his killers and attempting to reach for his weapon before being shot multiple times in front of his family.

Van der Merwe had testified before the Commission regarding the torture and interrogation of a Mozambican suspect at an unofficial site in Brakpan.

He alleged that EMPD officers, together with private security, were involved in the man’s death using methods described as torture, including tubing. He also said he had been forced to dump the body in a dam.

President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned the attack, urging law enforcement agencies to fully investigate the events “leading to this heinous act”.

High-Level Police Investigation as Commission Expresses Outrage

“I am appalled and saddened by this attack on a former public servant who recently served the cause of justice and integrity by testifying at the Madlanga Commission,” President Ramaphosa said.

“He added that Van der Merwe’s family faced “death in circumstances that suggest Van der Merwe’s brave testimony angered elements in our society who want to undermine the rule of law”.

Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels said the killing had been met “with profound sadness”, noting Van der Merwe’s role in exposing “serious allegations of criminality and corruption in the EMPD”.

Police have activated a NATJOINTS structure—comprising the country’s top security and intelligence officials—to investigate Van der Merwe’s murder.

Friend Says Van der Merwe “Knew His Life Was in Danger”

On Sunday, EMPD Superintendent Jacques Vorster broke down as he spoke about his friend’s death. He said Van der Merwe had lived with guilt over being forced to dump the dead suspect’s body in Spaarwater Dam and was determined to “get it off his chest” before the Commission.

Vorster explained that his friend had shared the details with both Ipid and the police shortly after the incident, but little had come of it.

The pair had grown close while working together to remove illegal miners from Plastic City, an informal settlement in Brakpan. “We were relatively tight, and he did not have a scared bone in his body,” Vorster said.

“He knew his life was in danger, but Marius was a courageous person,” he added. Vorster said Van der Merwe had always been open about the incident, which had “bothered him” and caused “sleepless nights”. He stressed that Van der Merwe acted under duress, saying he had no choice but to comply.

CCTV Footage Indicates Marius van der Merwe May Have Recognised His Killers

Vorster said Van der Merwe believed in the Commission and hoped his testimony would finally bring accountability. Despite testifying as “Witness D”, he suspected he could still be identified. “It was his duty because what had happened was against his religious beliefs.”

He added that Van der Merwe might have anticipated danger. CCTV footage suggests he was speaking to his killers moments before the shooting. “It can be seen that he reached for his gun, but it was too late.”

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Vorster described the loss as “like losing a brother”, saying the family—especially his wife and two young sons—are struggling to cope. He believed the danger had passed once Van der Merwe had concluded his evidence. “None of us saw this coming,” he said.

“Those involved know who they are, and they know they will be going to hell. He will be deeply missed. He was such a good person who did a lot of good deeds for the community,” Vorster added.

He said their last conversation was a few days before the killing, while planning another operation against illegal miners. “Now this will never happen.”

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