Johannesburg – Police have launched a manhunt after a witness who testified in the Madlanga Commission was shot dead in Brakpan.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the victim, who was only known as “Witness D” during his testimony at the Madlanga Commission, was shot dead with an AK-47 on Friday, 5 December 2025.
The ongoing Madlanga Commission is investigating allegations of collusion and corruption within the justice system.
Commenting further on the murder early on Saturday, 6 December 2025, Brigadier Mathe said: “According to a preliminary investigation, Witness D arrived at his home just after 20:30 with his wife, and as he was about to open the gate, he was shot and sustained wounds to his upper body.
“He was certified dead at the scene.
“His wife, who was a passenger in the car, escaped unharmed, and it should be noted that nothing was taken from witness D, seeing that his firearm, cellphone, and wallet were still in his possession.”
At the home of Witness D, various units of the South African Police Service (SAPS), including ballistics and crime scene experts, crime intelligence officers, and members of the serious and violent crime unit, worked until the early hours of Saturday.
“Police can thus confirm that evidence gathered at the scene confirms an AK-47 automatic rifle was used in the commission of the crime,” Brigadier Mathe said.
“A case of murder has been registered, and police have launched a manhunt for the hit orderer and the hitmen who shot and killed Witness D. Police are also looking for the murder weapon.”
General Masemola has also ordered the NATJOINTS Co-chair, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, to urgently convene a NATJOINTS meeting over the weekend to discuss and explore ways to improve and/or enhance the safety and security of commission officials as well as all witnesses.
