Pretoria – A key witness who previously testified before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has been shot dead in Brakpan, sparking a nationwide manhunt and raising serious concerns over the safety of those participating in the high-stakes probe into police corruption.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that police management rushed to the crime scene on Friday evening.
According to IOL, the slain man — publicly known as Witness D and aged 41 — was gunned down in front of his family shortly after 8pm.
Witness D had already delivered his testimony before the commission. It is understood that he implicated suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) senior officer Julius Mkhwanazi in criminal activity.
His assassination comes at a time when allegations of corruption, interference and deep-rooted rot within the SAPS and the broader justice system are taking centre stage at the Madlanga Commission.
Witness D, who testified before the Madlanga Commission on 14 November that he obeyed Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi’s order to dispose of a deceased suspect out of fear for his own life, was shot dead tonight.#MadlangaCommission pic.twitter.com/mG4EOcaNBz
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) December 5, 2025
The South African Police Service has since launched an intensive manhunt for the mastermind and the hitmen responsible for the murder, as well as the AK-47 rifle used in the attack.
In a statement, SAPS said National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola will personally brief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga on the progress of investigations.
“General Masemola will utilise the opportunity to also discuss efforts to improve and enhance safety and security measures for all role-players at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry,” the statement read.
#sapsHQ #SAPS launch manhunt for hit orderer, hitmen and AK47 used in witness D’s murder.
The National Commissioner of SAPS, General Fannie Masemola will meet and brief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga on investigations into the murder of Witness D.
General Masemola will utilise the… pic.twitter.com/xVGbg9W5MQ
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) December 6, 2025
“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 look at ways of improving and or enhancing the safety and security of commission officials as well as all witnesses”
The shooting occurs amid deepening scrutiny of senior police officials. Earlier this week, suspended EMPD top cop Mkhwanazi denied that payments he received from tenderpreneur Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala were bribes linked to an alleged blue-lights installation scheme.
While denying wrongdoing, Mkhwanazi admitted receiving financial assistance from Matlala, describing him as “like a brother,” The Citizen reported.
Confusion over suspended EMPD Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi’s relationship with Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala after he contradicted himself at the Madlanga Commission. In an exclusive interview with eNCA, Mkhwanazi denied having any ties with Matlala, but at the commission, he stated… pic.twitter.com/CFNMLzTrjx
— eNCA (@eNCA) December 4, 2025
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia recently said crime levels were declining but stressed that the crisis exposed by the Madlanga Commission represents a crucial “reset” for SAPS.
“We are taking steps to reset… This is a necessary process,” Cachalia said, urging the public to remain focused on the inquiry’s long-term reform goals, according to the report.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
