Pretoria – A suspect has been arrested in connection with the murder of Witness D.
The former Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department member was shot dead soon after he testified at the Madlanga Commission of inquiry.
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Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, on Saturday, 14 March 2026, revealed that “the Task Team established to investigate cases emanating from the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has registered its first breakthrough with the arrest of a suspect believed to be the shooter in the Marius van der Merwe (Witness D) murder case”.
Brigadier Mathe added: “The team that was established by General Fannie Masemola on instruction by the President took over investigations shortly after they were appointed.
“After obtaining overwhelming evidence, the team obtained a J50 warrant of arrest this week and made their first arrest on Saturday, 14 March 2026.”
The police spokesperson said the arrested suspect, believed to be the one who allegedly shot and killed Marius van der Merwe, was arrested in Johannesburg.
“The team is still on the ground, where they are busy with a search and seizure operation at various identified addresses of the suspect,” said Brigadier Mathe.
“The vehicle believed to have been used on the day that Witness D was murdered has also been seized.”
The suspect is expected to make his first appearance before the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 16 March 2026.
General Fannie Masemola has applauded the team for moving with speed in ensuring a breakthrough in this case.
