Madlanga Commission Witness Wiandre Pretorius Dies By Suicide In Brakpan After Boksburg Shooting

Police informant Wiandre Pretorius, whose name surfaced during hearings of the Madlanga Commission, has died following an incident at a petrol station in Brakpan on the East Rand.

Pretorius had survived a shooting outside his Boksburg home last week. Reports indicate he died on Saturday night at the filling station, with the incident occurring in the presence of his partner, Sergeant Juan Mare Eksteen.

Newzroom Afrika reported from the scene on Sunday morning, stating that police have launched an investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding his death.

East Rand Shooting Heightens Fears Over Madlanga Commission Witness Safety

The death follows a violent episode earlier in the week when Pretorius’s vehicle was reportedly struck by 16 bullets in Van Dyk Park on Thursday morning. The incident intensified fears about the security of individuals linked to testimony before the Madlanga Commission.

In response to the shooting, President Cyril Ramaphosa stressed the need for stronger safeguards for whistleblowers and witnesses involved in sensitive cases.

Speaking to the media after meeting South African Revenue Service (SARS) Commissioner Edward Kieswetter, Ramaphosa said: “Witnesses in high-profile cases should not be identifiable and must be better secured.”

SurgeZirc SA reported last week that the president’s remarks came amid growing alarm over repeated attacks connected to the commission.

Links to Previous Whistleblower Killing Deepen Concern

Pretorius was implicated by another commission witness, Marius van der Merwe, also known as Witness D, who was fatally shot shortly after giving evidence.

Van der Merwe had accused Pretorius of involvement in the alleged murder of Emmanuel Mbense, a case that has attracted significant public attention.

Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels confirmed that the commission had received reports about the earlier shooting incident involving Pretorius.

“Yes, we got the news about an hour ago, and it had not happened too long before that,” he said, underscoring the vulnerability of witnesses who come forward.

AfriForum Prosecutions Unit spokesperson Barry Bateman also highlighted the seriousness of the allegations against Pretorius, arguing that his role should not be understated.

“Allow me to clarify something about Wiandre Pretorius. He was not just ‘mentioned’ at the Madlanga Commission; confessed criminal, torturer, and body dumper Marius Van der Merwe directly accused Pretorius of being involved in the torture and murder of Emmanuel Mbense,” Bateman wrote on his X account last week.

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Police continue to investigate the Brakpan incident as questions mount over witness protection in high-profile inquiries.