Brakpan – A key witness who testified before the Madlanga Commission has been shot dead in Brakpan. Marius van der Merwe, widely known as Vlam, was gunned down outside his home in Brenthurst, Brakpan, as he was getting into his car. His wife and children were present and witnessed the tragic event.
Van der Merwe, who was also the owner of QRF Task Team, had appeared before the commission in November 2025, where he provided explosive testimony behind closed doors. He was identified as “Witness D” during the proceedings, where he described how an EMPD-linked unit allegedly tortured and killed a robbery suspect in Brakpan. Van der Merwe claimed that senior EMPD official Julius Mkhwanazi had ordered a cover-up, directing officers to dispose of the body by either dumping it in a dam or a mine shaft.
According to his testimony, Van der Merwe was the one who transported the body and discarded it in a dam, fearing for his own safety as he became increasingly involved in the criminal activities within the police force. He also testified about the alleged collusion between EMPD officers, rogue SAPS members, and criminal informers, suggesting the existence of an organised illegal network.
The attack on Van der Merwe has raised serious concerns regarding the protection of witnesses in high-profile cases. While the police have confirmed the shooting, there has been widespread speculation on social media about whether the killing was connected to his testimony. Several commentators have pointed out that the timing and nature of the attack suggest it may have been orchestrated to silence him.
Witnesses who testified at the Madlanga Commission have raised alarms about their own safety, with some questioning the adequacy of witness protection measures. Social media users have expressed fears that other witnesses, particularly those still to testify, could be at risk. Some have specifically mentioned that Witness D’s testimony about Mkhwanazi’s involvement in a body disposal incident may have led to his assassination.
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