Political and law-enforcement leaders have condemned the assassination of Marius van der Merwe, a key witness before the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System (Madlanga Commission).

Van der Merwe, a Brakpan-based security industry professional and former Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) official, was gunned down in front of his family outside their home on Friday evening, 5 December 2025.

He had recently provided testimony as Witness D to the Madlanga Commission involving allegations of criminality and corruption within the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality and the EMPD.

Van der Merwe had made serious allegations of a murder cover-up involving suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi.

In a brief initial statement late on Friday night, Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels said the Commission had noted Van der Merwe’s killing “with profound sadness” and extended condolences to his family. He said the Commission would comment further once more information was available.

President Cyril Ramaphosa on Saturday strongly condemned what he described as a “heinous act,” expressing shock that a former public servant who had “served the cause of justice and integrity” through his testimony had been murdered so brutally.

“My thoughts are with the deeply traumatised family who came under attack last night,” Ramaphosa said.

“They 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 and set back the quest for truth and consequences in the fight against corruption.”

The President vowed that government would intensify efforts to protect whistle-blowers and witnesses appearing before the Madlanga Commission.

He also urged law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed on Saturday that National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola will meet Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga to brief him on the investigation and discuss enhanced security measures for all Commission role-players.

Police forensic teams, including ballistics experts, crime intelligence and serious violent crime investigators, worked through the night at the murder scene. SAPS said evidence recovered confirms an AK-47 automatic rifle was used in the killing.

According to preliminary findings, Van der Merwe had just arrived home with his wife shortly after 20:30 when he was ambushed while opening the gate. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the upper body and was declared dead at the scene.

His wife was unharmed, and police say nothing was taken, indicating a targeted hit.

A murder case has been opened, and police have launched a manhunt for both the gunmen and those who ordered the attack. General Masemola has directed NatJOINTS co-chair Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili to urgently convene a meeting to discuss strengthened protection for Commission staff and witnesses.

Political parties have also condemned the killing, with the ANC calling it “a serious setback to ongoing efforts to strengthen the criminal justice system.”

The party emphasised the importance of safeguarding all witnesses participating in the Madlanga Commission’s work and called for a swift, thorough investigation.

“The ANC remains committed to supporting the work of the Commission and all processes aimed at addressing criminality and corruption within the criminal justice system,” said national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu.

The DA’s justice spokesperson, Adv. Glynnis Breytenbach says this “mafia-state behaviour, where whistleblowers are gunned down for telling the truth, is something our country has never before experienced at this scale.”

“It is terrifying, it is brazen, and it is clearly intended to send a message of pure intimidation.”

She said the killing highlighted the urgent need for South Africa to strengthen whistleblower protection laws and expand witness-safeguarding capacity.

“If people fear for their lives when they testify, our justice system collapses,” she warned.