Suspended EMPD Chief Julius Mkhwanazi Silent As He Is Accused Online Of Killing Witness D

Suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) acting chief Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi has remained silent as a wave of social media accusations links him to the killing of former EMPD officer Marius van der Merwe, known as Witness D at the Madlanga Commission.

Attempts to reach Mkhwanazi on Saturday — including more than five calls and several WhatsApp messages — went unanswered, SurgeZirc SA has learnt.

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Van der Merwe, 41, was shot dead in front of his family in Brakpan on Friday night shortly after 8pm.

His murder came just days after his testimony before the Madlanga Commission, which is examining allegations of corruption, political interference and the protection of criminal networks within policing.

Witness D Fatally Shot After Testifying at Madlanga Commission

Police said the attackers fled in a white Nissan NP200 bakkie with a canopy and confirmed an AK-47 automatic rifle was used. A manhunt is currently under way.

During his testimony, Van der Merwe claimed that Mkhwanazi allegedly instructed him to dispose of the body of a suspect who was suffocated in a bedroom — an incident he said involved two SAPS officers and an informant, Jaco Hanekom.

Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi confirmed Van der Merwe declined state witness protection.

“He was offered protection, which he declined,” Kubayi said at a media briefing. “He didn’t think he needed it, and he runs his own security company.”

Social Media Users Directly Accuse Mkhwanazi

In the hours following the killing, several social media users publicly accused Mkhwanazi of being behind the attack, though no evidence has been released to support these allegations.

“It was Witness D who testified that Julius Mkhwanazi told him to dump the body in the river,” wrote @azania1023.

Another user, @Base76349028, stated, “Julius Mkhwanazi has killed Witness D.”
“I strongly believe Julius Mkhwanazi is involved and paid hitmen who killed Witness D… I feel sad for his family,” posted @SEO30JJ.

Authorities have stressed that these claims are unverified and have urged the public not to draw conclusions while the investigation is ongoing.

In earlier testimony to the Commission, Mkhwanazi admitted arriving at the scene of the disputed incident at around 3 a.m. after a call from Hanekom reporting that an operation had gone wrong. He denied involvement, saying he only suspected “they were successful and did something about it”.

Security Boosted for Madlanga Commission Witnesses

Following the killing, the Madlanga Commission met with NATJOINTS, the SANDF, the State Security Agency and the Department of Justice at the NATJOINTS Operations Centre in Pretoria. Officials agreed to further strengthen security measures for witnesses and Commission staff.

“While extensive measures have been in place since the start of the Commission, the meeting identified a need to heighten these measures by roping in the NATJOINTS and all other relevant role players,” a joint statement said.

Authorities again warned against speculation and said the media will be briefed “in due course”.

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