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Madlanga Commission proceedings
The family of Emmanuel Mbense, who was tortured to death in April 2022, are demanding answers. Mbense was allegedly tortured by law enforcement and private security officers and subsequently dumped in a dam.
This follows Witness D’s testimony at the Madlanga Commission, who has since been identified as Marius van der Merwe.
He testified last month that an operation allegedly by Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) officials, led to the murder of a shop owner and an alleged cover up of the act.
He told the commission that this was under the alleged guidance of now suspended Acting EMPD Deputy Chief, Julius Mkhwananzi.
Four days after this testimony, the family of Mbense turned to AfriForum’s private prosecution unit for assistance.
The unit, which is closely monitoring the matter, has asked IPID to urgently provide a response to the request for an update and an explanation for the delay in finalising the case.
VIDEO | Spokesperson for the AfriForum Private Prosecution Barry Bateman says they are demanding arrests on the matter:
Meanwhile, two commissioners from Madlanga Commission visited the house of slain Witness D in Brakpan on Gauteng’s East Rand on Wednesday afternoon.
Van der Merwe was assassinated on Friday outside of his home while his wife and kids were in the car.
He testified before the commission last month in connection with his work with the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department.
One of the vehicles seen in the footage before shots were fired has since been recovered in Alexandra, north of Johannesburg as investigations continue.
The streets are cordoned off with yellow South Africa Police Service (SAPS) tape, while police guard entry and exit points.
With a large white flower bouquet, Advocate Sesi Baloyi and Advocate Sandile Khumalo arrived to pay their respects to the mourning family. However, Justice Mbuyiseleni Madlanga was not there.
Van der Merwe 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.
#MadlangaCommission evidence leader Adv. Mahlape Sello, SC, and two commissioners Adv. Sesi Baloyi, SC
and Adv. Sandile Khumalo, SC have completed their visit to the home of slain Marius van Der Merwe in Brakpan #SABCNews pic.twitter.com/y2NYHfSqvz— Pearl Magubane (@Pearl_Magubane) December 10, 2025
The safety and security of officials and witnesses involved in the commission have since been under scrutiny.
