Political Parties Condemn Killing of Madlanga Commission Witness in Brakpan
The brutal killing of Witness D, identified as Marius van der Merwe, has sent shockwaves through South Africa’s political landscape, prompting strong reactions from several political parties. Van der Merwe, a key witness at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, was shot multiple times outside his home in Brakpan on Friday night. The assassination has raised serious concerns about the safety of witnesses involved in sensitive investigations, as well as the implications for justice and accountability in the country.
Police confirmed that van der Merwe was attacked shortly after arriving home with his wife. Although the motive is still under investigation, authorities have indicated that the killing has the hallmarks of a targeted hit, especially given that none of his valuables were taken.
Several major political parties have condemned the murder, calling it a direct assault on South Africa’s justice system. Van der Merwe’s testimony had been considered crucial to uncovering alleged police misconduct tied to the 2022 murder of a robbery suspect in Brakpan. His revelations included claims of an attempted cover-up implicating suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) acting chief Julius Mkhwanazi.
The African National Congress (ANC) expressed deep concern, saying the killing “deals a significant setback to efforts aimed at strengthening the criminal justice system.” The ruling party emphasized that commissions of inquiry play a vital role in exposing criminal networks and holding state officials accountable. According to the ANC, the murder undermines public trust and threatens the integrity of ongoing investigations.
The seriousness of the situation has led prominent political figures and civil society groups to call for urgent reforms to improve witness protection, which many describe as outdated, insufficient, and unable to keep pace with escalating violent threats.
Political Parties Criticize Government Failures on Witness Protection
Among the most vocal critics has been the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, which accused government leaders of failing repeatedly to protect whistleblowers and witnesses involved in high-level inquiries. The party argued that van der Merwe’s killing is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern where individuals who expose corruption or state-linked crime are left vulnerable.
MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela issued a strongly worded statement condemning what he described as the government’s chronic inability to safeguard those who put their lives at risk in service of justice.
“This government’s inaction endangers not only our good-standing, brave citizens, but the very integrity of our democratic institutions and the pursuit of justice in our country,” Ndhlela said.
He added that South Africans should recognize the current Government of National Unity (GNU) as “a failed and dysfunctional government empowered and sustained by criminality.”
Such accusations reflect escalating tensions between opposition parties and the GNU, with allegations that structural weaknesses in law enforcement have opened the door to sophisticated criminal operations targeting witnesses and whistleblowers.
The reactions from various political parties underscore the broader implications of the killing. Opposition leaders argue that witness assassinations threaten the very foundations of South African democracy. Commissions of inquiry are not only designed to uncover wrongdoing but also to strengthen transparency, restore confidence in public institutions, and prevent abuse of power.
When witnesses are murdered, political analysts warn, it signals to the public that the justice system is vulnerable to manipulation and intimidation. This can create a chilling effect where crucial witnesses become too fearful to testify, thereby allowing corruption, criminality, and state abuse to flourish unchecked.
Civil society groups have echoed these concerns, calling for urgent national dialogue on the safety of those who assist in criminal investigations. Many have pointed to previous high-profile cases — such as whistleblowers slain after exposing corruption — as evidence of a systemic failure requiring immediate reform.
In response to the growing outcry, police have launched a full-scale manhunt to track down the gunmen and the mastermind behind the assassination. Authorities say they are following promising leads, but have cautioned that the investigation is complex and may take time due to the “professional” nature of the killing.
Police officials have vowed not only to bring the perpetrators to justice but also to safeguard other witnesses connected to the Madlanga Commission. However, political parties are demanding rapid results and insisting that long-term reforms must be implemented to prevent similar tragedies.
As the nation processes the shocking death of van der Merwe, questions remain about the future of the commission, the safety of other witnesses, and the extent to which political pressure will accelerate long-overdue changes in witness protection policy.
Source- EWN
