News24 | Witness D’s Madlanga testimony ‘angered certain elements of our society’, says Ramaphosa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed shock and sadness over the murder of Madlanga Commission witness Marius van der Merwe.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed shock and sadness over the murder of Madlanga Commission witness Marius van der Merwe, who was gunned down at his home in Brakpan, Ekurhuleni, on Friday evening.

Ramaphosa described the killing as an attack on justice and integrity.

Van der Merwe, only known as “Witness D” at the Madlanga Commission, had testified about an alleged murder cover-up plot involving police and Ekurhuleni top cop Julius Mkhwanazi.

He was gunned down in full view of his wife and child, who were with him in the vehicle, just outside his home.

Ramaphosa said that while law enforcement agencies worked to establish the circumstances surrounding “this heinous act”, the government would intensify its efforts to protect whistleblowers.

“As a government, we will redouble our efforts to protect whistleblowers, including witnesses before the Madlanga Commission and the commission itself, as they serve the nation with bravery in the face of criminal threats,” he added.

Ramaphosa expressed his outrage over the attack and stated that Van der Merwe had recently demonstrated his commitment to justice and integrity through his testimony at the commission.

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

“They faced death in circumstances that suggest Van der Merwe’s brave testimony angered certain elements of our society seeking to undermine the rule of law and derail the pursuit of truth and justice in the fight against corruption.”

The president extended his condolences to Van der Merwe’s family and urged law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation to ensure that the perpetrators were brought to justice.

“Amid this trauma, we must remain resolute in our commitment to end corruption and ensure that those who have acted unlawfully – and those plotting further wrongs – are held accountable,” Ramaphosa said.