Suspect arrested after murder of ‘Witness D’

Marius van der Merwe, the man who was known as “Witness D” in the trial of the Madlanga Commission. (Photo: Christine Oelofse/Maroela Media)

The police achieved a breakthrough with the arrest of a suspect who is believed to have pulled the trigger in the murder of Marius van der Merwe, the man who was known as “Witness D” in the trial of the Madlanga Commission.

The suspect was arrested in Johannesburg on Saturday after investigators, according to the police, obtained overwhelming evidence against him.

Brig. Athlenda Mathe, police spokesperson, says the arrest was made by a special task team that investigates cases arising from the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.

The task force was led by gen. Fannie Masemola, the national police commissioner, assembled on the instructions of the president.

“The team took over the investigation shortly after their appointment. After checking the available information and evidence, further investigative work was carried out which ultimately led to the obtaining of a J50 warrant for the suspect’s arrest,” said Mathe.

She says the warrant was obtained earlier this week, after which the suspect was tracked down and arrested on Saturday.

“Members of the team are engaged in a search and seizure operation at various addresses that are connected to the suspect. A vehicle that is believed to have been used on the day of Van der Merwe’s murder has already been located. This vehicle has been seized.”

The suspect is expected to make his first appearance in the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

Masemola, meanwhile, commended the task force for their swift action in the investigation.