The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) is deeply disturbed and outraged by the reported killing Marius van der Merwe, a courageous individual who testified under oath before the Madlanga Commission, providing critical evidence of alleged murder, torture, and a subsequent cover-up by officers of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD).
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife who, according to police reports, witnessed his killing at their family home in Brakpan, and to his entire family and loved ones. His death is not only a devastating personal tragedy but a grave blow to justice, transparency, and the role of law in South Africa.
This killing sends a chilling message of intimidation and threatens to discourage other witnesses from coming forward with information essential to stopping the deep rot exposed at the Madlanga Commission. South Africa has a painful history of whistle-blowers and truth-tellers being assassinated for their courage. Marius’s assassination now joins that shameful list.
According to his testimony, Marius stated that former EMPD acting deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi allegedly ordered the disposal of the body of a suspect, tortured and killed by EMPD officers by dumping it in a dam to conceal the murder. That a person who chose to speak truth to power should be murdered is a direct attack on efforts to root out corruption and lawlessness. It is a message to every potential whistle-blower that telling the truth may cost them their life.
SAFTU demands urgent and concrete action:
1. Independent transparent and swift investigation
Marius’s killing must be prioritised and investigated independently of any institution implicated in the Madlanga Commission.
• All facts including motive, perpetrators, and any connection to his testimony, must be established publicly and without delay.
2. Immediate activation and strengthening of witness-protection mechanisms
• Authorities responsible for the Witness Protection Programme must urgently review and strengthen protection measures for witnesses before, during and after commissions or court proceedings.
• Witnesses must be guaranteed adequate security, anonymity where necessary, and properly resourced protection.
3. Urgent review of institutional culture within EMPD and law-enforcement
• The alleged involvement of a senior EMPD officer in a murder-scene cover-up must trigger a comprehensive investigation into institutional corruption, abuse of power and the culture of impunity.
• Oversight structures must ensure that no officer, regardless of rank, is above accountability.
4. Public commitment by government and justice-system actors to uphold witness safety.
• Government and all justice institutions must publicly reaffirm that witnesses who cooperate with lawful inquiries will not be left vulnerable.
• Clear timelines and practical measures must be announced to ensure this killing marks a turning point in witness protection, not another unsolved crime.
5. Support for families of slain or threatened whistle-blowers
• The family of Marius must receive appropriate support, including safety measures, legal assistance and psychosocial services.
• Broader, permanent mechanisms must be created to support families of whistle-blowers face danger for acts of public service.
SAFTU mourns the brutal killing of Marius, a man who bravely stepped forward to expose serious wrongdoing and paid the ultimate price. His death must not be in vain. It must become a catalyst for real accountability, stronger witness protection, and the cleansing of institutions that have been allowed to decay impunity.
We call on all civil-society organisations, human-rights institutions, the media and government to unite behind this urgent demand:
Witnesses must be protected. Institutions must be cleaned up. Perpetrators must be brought to account.
For the sake of justice, and for every South African who still believes in a future free of corruption, violence and fear, we must act decisively, and we must act now.
A statement was issued on behalf of SAFTU General Secretary Zwelinzima Vavi
For media inquiries, contact the National Spokesperson at
Newton Masuku at
0785164094
Media Officer
Asive Dyani
0719019564
