Marius "Vlam" van der Merwe
Image: SUPPLIED
The man believed to have pulled the trigger in the assassination of Marius "Vlam" van der Merwe is expected to make his first appearance in the Brakpan Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
The suspect was arrested in Johannesburg on Saturday, IOL previously reported.
Van der Merwe, who was referred to as Witness D when he testified before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, was shot dead at his Brakpan home on December 5.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the task team set up to investigate cases stemming from the commission had obtained a warrant of arrest before carrying out the operation.
“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 murder case," Mathe said.
“The vehicle believed to have been used on the day that Witness D was murdered has also been seized.”
National police commissioner General Fannie Masemola on Sunday said another suspect linked to the murder was still on the run.
During a press briefing on the SA National Defence Force and police’s joint operation to fight crime, Masemola said: “We are thankful we have made a breakthrough in the murder of Witness D.
"The person will appear in court on Monday."
He said police were still hunting for another suspect.
"One of the suspects... were are still hunting them," he said.
"More will come out as time goes on."
He refused to comment on the motive for the murder.
The Madlanga Commission has also welcomed the arrest.
“The commission urges the relevant law enforcement agencies to ensure justice for the families of all those affected by people who are attempting to resist accountability for their alleged acts of criminality,” said spokesperson Jeremy Michaels.
The Madlanga Commission was established to investigate allegations of criminality, political interference and corruption within South Africa’s criminal justice system.
It is examining claims of misconduct and unlawful influence affecting law enforcement institutions.
In November, Van der Merwe testified before the commission, where he made explosive allegations about corruption within the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD).
He blew the whistle about a 2023 murder of a suspect.
Van der Merwe previously worked for the EMPD and was also a security specialist.
Anti-crime activist Yusuf Abramjee said: "The arrest in the murder of Marius van der Merwe is a welcome breakthrough.
"Well done to the police and the task team.
However, he said, it was critical that the investigation should not stop with the alleged shooter.
"The mastermind/s behind this killing must also be identified, arrested and brought before the courts urgently," Abramjee said.
"Those who plan, fund and order such crimes must face the full might of the law.
"South Africans need to see that everyone involved in this murder is held accountable."
IOL