Johannesburg – Police informant Wiandre Pretorius, who was linked to the Madlanga Commission, has died in an apparent self-inflicted death.
His death came days after he survived a suspected attempt on his life, during which his car was reportedly shot multiple times outside his Boksburg home.
Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.
Wiandre Pretorius has taken his own life. He reportedly shot himself at a petrol filing station in Brakpan on the East Rand.
Earlier this week, he claimed there was an attempt on his life outside his Boksburg home. Gunmen fired several shots.
Pretorius and others were… https://t.co/FadL5PQSmk pic.twitter.com/8WJ2KumYZs
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) February 7, 2026
Pretorius had been implicated by another witness, Marius van der Merwe, who accused him of involvement in the alleged murder of Emmanuel Mbense.
Van der Merwe was later killed after giving testimony. The incidents have raised serious concerns about the safety of whistleblowers and witnesses connected to high-profile investigations.
JUST IN
Wiandre Pretorius,who was implicated in #MadlangaCommision shot & killed himself last night
He was questioned for Witness D,Marius Van Der Merwe’s murder
Witness D said Pretorius suffocated Emmanuel Mbense to death with a plastic bag in Brakpan,Boksburg
Al Masry Tito pic.twitter.com/cLBi9N1BfG
— Rush News (@RushNews5) February 8, 2026
President Cyril Ramaphosa recently stressed the need for stronger protection measures for witnesses, while the commission and other stakeholders have expressed alarm over the risks faced by those involved in sensitive cases.
SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe says so far, four persons of interest in the murder of Emmanuel Mbense who was allegedly tortured to death by EMPD officers have now died. Three were assassinated and police informant Wiandre Pretorius took his life. Mathe says Pretorius… pic.twitter.com/noDmaBRGee
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) February 8, 2026
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
