Masemola Leads Probe Into Killing Linked to Madlanga Commission Witness
National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola has expressed strong confidence that investigators are closing in on critical leads in the shocking murder of Marius van der Merwe, one of the witnesses who had appeared before the Madlanga Commission. The case has drawn national attention due to its potential implications for the ongoing probe into corruption within the criminal justice system.
Van der Merwe was gunned down in Brakpan last Friday night, a targeted killing that has raised alarm both within law-enforcement circles and the private security industry. While investigators have not yet confirmed whether the attack was linked directly to his testimony before the commission or to matters related to his private security work, police believe they are making swift progress.
According to Masemola, investigators have now identified three people of interest, marking a significant step forward in the high-stakes inquiry. In addition to identifying these individuals, police have located a vehicle in Alexandra that they believe was used in the assassination. This discovery is expected to play a key role in piecing together the movements of the suspects before and after the shooting.
The National Commissioner emphasized that the investigative team is working tirelessly to ensure that every lead is followed thoroughly. For Masemola, the case represents not only a murder investigation but also a test of the SAPS’s commitment to protecting witnesses who come forward to expose corruption. Ensuring accountability and transparency within the criminal justice system is central to his leadership ethos, and the killing of a witness threatens the very foundation of the commission’s work.
Breakthrough Expected as Masemola Confirms New Leads
The murder of Van der Merwe sent shockwaves across the country. As a figure who operated within the private security sector, he was familiar with high-risk environments. Yet the brazenness of the attack—executed swiftly and with apparent precision—has raised concerns about the lengths to which certain actors might be willing to go to silence individuals connected to the Madlanga Commission.
The Madlanga Commission itself, established to uncover entrenched corruption and malpractice within the justice system, relies heavily on the cooperation and testimony of whistleblowers and industry experts. Any threat to these witnesses not only endangers their lives but jeopardizes the broader mission of uncovering wrongdoing and restoring public trust.
In a demonstration of solidarity and support, Masemola, accompanied by senior police officials, visited the Van der Merwe family home on Monday evening. The visit underscored the seriousness with which the SAPS leadership views this killing and the message they intend to send—that witness intimidation or assassination will not go unanswered.
During the visit, Masemola reportedly assured the family that the investigation was progressing rapidly and that justice would be pursued with full resolve. His presence offered both comfort to the grieving family and a firm public stance that the SAPS will not be deterred by those who attempt to disrupt lawful investigative processes.
The current inquiry into the killing involves multiple specialized units within SAPS. Crime intelligence, forensic experts, and detectives with experience in organized-crime cases have been deployed to collaborate on the investigation. The discovery of the vehicle in Alexandra, believed to have been used by the assailants, is now undergoing forensic analysis. Fingerprints, DNA evidence, ballistic matching, and digital tracking form part of the investigative roadmap.
Identifying three people of interest marks another critical milestone. While their identities have not been publicly disclosed, the fact that investigators have narrowed down potential suspects suggests that surveillance footage, witness statements, and communication records may have provided valuable leads.
Masemola stressed that while the investigation is advancing, certain details cannot yet be made public as doing so could compromise the operation. However, he reaffirmed that the police are closing in on those responsible and that arrests may follow soon.
Beyond the tragedy of Van der Merwe’s death lies a broader concern: the protection of individuals who assist national investigations. If witnesses fear intimidation or harm, the integrity of inquiries such as the Madlanga Commission becomes vulnerable. For this reason, Masemola’s commitment carries weight—not only for this case but for the future of whistleblower protection in South Africa.
As the investigation continues, South Africans await further developments. For now, the assurance from Masemola that a major breakthrough is imminent provides some hope that justice will prevail and that those responsible for this violent act will be brought before the law.
Source- EWN
