Cape Town – A suspect believed to be the gunman in the murder of Marius van der Merwe, also known as Witness D, has been arrested in Johannesburg, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said.
Van der Merwe’s killing is among the cases being investigated following the findings of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
SAPS said the arrest marks the first breakthrough by a special task team established to investigate cases arising from the commission.
According to police, the team was set up by Fannie Masemola, the National Police Commissioner, acting on instructions from Cyril Ramaphosa.
In a statement on Sunday, SAPS said: “The Task Team established to investigate cases emanating from the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, have registered their first breakthrough with the arrest of a suspect believed to be the shooter in the Marius Van Der Merwe (Witness D) murder case.”
Police said the team took over the investigation shortly after its appointment and worked to gather evidence.
#sapsHQ [UPDATE] Task Team investigating cases from the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has made its first breakthrough with the arrest of a suspect believed to be the shooter in the Marius Van Der Merwe (Witness D) murder case.
The team, established by General Fannie Masemola on… pic.twitter.com/PpFh92l1Ki
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) March 14, 2026
“After obtaining overwhelming evidence, the team obtained a J50 warrant of arrest this week and made their first arrest on Saturday, 14 March 2026,” the statement said.
The suspect was arrested in Johannesburg and is expected to appear before the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
Investigators are continuing with operations linked to the case.
“The team is still on the ground, where they are busy with a search and seizure operation at various identified addresses of the suspect,” SAPS said.
Police also confirmed that a vehicle believed to have been used during the killing has been confiscated.
“The vehicle believed to have been used on the day that Witness D was murdered, has also been seized,” the statement added.
Masemola praised investigators for their work.
“General Fannie Masemola has applauded the team for moving with speed in ensuring a breakthrough in this case.”
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
