Family inconsolable following ‘Witness D’ murder in Brakpan

Witness D’s car

The family of Marius Van der Merwe, known as ‘Witness D’, is inconsolable following his fatal shooting.

Van der Merwe was brutally shot dead outside his home in Brakpan, East of Johannesburg, on Friday night, when he was travelling with his wife and two children.

He testified at the Madlanga Commission last month, where he blew the lid on allegations of murder and the disposal of a body in a dam involving high-ranking EMPD officers.

The tragedy has now put mounting pressure on the Madlanga Commission to ensure the safety of its witnesses.

Family and friends of Van der Merwe laid flowers on the crime scene.

The family has declined interviews with the media and National Police commissioner Fannie Masemola is due to visit the family this afternoon.

WATCH | National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola is set to brief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga on the investigation into the murder of Marius van der Merwe, known as Witness D at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, who was shot dead outside his Brakpan home. SABC News’… pic.twitter.com/Z1Vhsq1Et1

— SABC News (@SABCNews) December 6, 2025

Police have launched a manhunt for the hit orderer and the hitmen who shot and killed Witness D. Police are also looking for the murder weapon.

#sapsHQ #SAPS launch manhunt for hit orderer, hitmen and AK47 used in witness D’s murder.

The National Commissioner of SAPS, General Fannie Masemola will meet and brief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga on investigations into the murder of Witness D.

General Masemola will utilise the… pic.twitter.com/xVGbg9W5MQ

— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) December 6, 2025