Justice endures: Madlanga Commission steadfast after tragic Witness D incident
The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry confirms delivery of an interim report to President Cyril Ramaphosa and vows not to be intimidated by the brutal killing of witness Marius van der Merwe, known as Witness D.
Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers
Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has vowed to continue its work following the brutal killing of Marius van der Merwe, known as Witness D. Mr. van der Merwe was killed outside his Brakpan home on December 5, 2025, in the presence of his family.
Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels condemned the murder, saying it marked an inflection point for the commission and highlighted the determination of those seeking to undermine accountability and justice.
“Mr Van der Merwe’s murder is a reminder of the determination of certain criminal elements who do not want to see accountability and justice take its course. The commission will not be intimidated and urges the relevant law enforcement agencies to track down and bring to book all those who seek to undermine the work of the commission and the rule of law,” he said.
During his testimony at the commission, Van der Merwe implicated suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department deputy chief, Julius Mkhwanazi, in a murder cover-up. He was laid to rest on Wednesday in Brakpan.
Michaels’ remarks come after the commission delivered its interim report to President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday, exactly three months after KwaZulu-Natal SAPS Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s testimony on September 17, 2025.
The report details 37 witnesses heard over 45 days, with 28 witnesses in Phase One and nine in Phase Two, shedding light on allegations of criminality, political interference, and corruption in the criminal justice system.
Michaels said hearings took place in formats varying from fully public to partially public, with one hearing being fully in-camera.
The commission's Phase One focused on corroborating allegations made by Mkhwanazi, with witnesses coming forward to support his claims.
Phase Two has seen nine witnesses respond to allegations against them, with dozens more expected to testify in 2026, providing their side of the story.
Michaels welcomed the increasing number of witnesses coming forward, saying it is a positive sign that more people are willing to assist in uncovering the truth about alleged criminality, political interference, and corruption in the criminal justice system.
“Since its establishment, the commission has received evidence from 28 walk-in submissions, and 45 of the 89 submissions to the commission’s hotline were found to be within the terms of reference. As part of the commission’s record to date, it has 8,087 pages of transcriptions of the hearings and 120 document bundles used during the hearings, including witness statements and evidence files.”
He expressed gratitude to all witnesses on behalf of Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, his co-commissioners Advocate Sesi Baloyi SC and Advocate Sandile Khumalo SC, for coming forward to assist the commission in its work.
“Furthermore, we would like to thank all State entities and service providers for their support, both at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College and off site, over the last few months. The commission appreciates the long hours worked by personnel to deliver the administrative, audio-visual, catering, cleaning, communications, livestreaming, security, sign language, transcription and translation services,” he said.
In addition, he appreciated the media practitioners for playing a crucial role in helping to ensure that citizens receive information about and from the commission.
“We would like to thank the editors, reporters, presenters, producers, photographers, videographers, technicians, and all those who arrived at the commission in the early hours of the morning and worked until late at night to ensure that the public receives wall-to-wall coverage of the hearings,” he said.
The commission will be closed from Christmas to New Year, with only essential staff on duty. Meanwhile, evidence leaders, investigators, and support staff will continue preparing for next year's work.
The resumption dates for the public hearing in January 2026 will be announced soon.
Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, confirmed receipt of the interim report, saying: “President Ramaphosa will study the interim report while the commission, which is in recess, prepares to hear further testimony from new witnesses or persons who have previously testified.”
He added that Ramaphosa has expressed his appreciation for the interim report as well as his expectation that the commission will, as part of its terms of reference, refer to actions thought to be criminal acts for prosecution.