Suspended EMPD chief Brigadier Mkhwanazi mum as netizens link him to killing of Witness D

Suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) acting chief Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi has remained silent as social media users link him to the killing of Marius van der Merwe - known as Witness D at the Madlanga Commission.

Multiple attempts by IOL News to reach Mkhwanazi for comment were unsuccessful. 

More than five phone calls and WhatsApp messages went unanswered on Saturday.

Van der Merwe, 41, a former EMPD officer was shot dead in Brakpan on Friday night in front of his family. 

He had recently testified before the Madlanga Commission, which is probing alleged corruption, the protection of criminal networks and political interference in the justice system. 

He was killed shortly after 8pm.

Police said the suspects were travelling in a white Nissan NP200 bakkie with a canopy and confirmed that an AK-47 automatic rifle was used in the attack.

A manhunt is under way.

Van der Merwe had testified that Mkhwanazi allegedly instructed him to dispose of the body of a suspect killed by EMPD officers. 

The suspect was allegedly suffocated in a bedroom with the help of two SAPS officers and an informant, Jaco Hanekom.

Witness protection declined

Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi confirmed that Van der Merwe declined an offer of witness protection from the Commission, saying he felt secure with his own private security company.

“He was offered protection, which he declined,” Kubayi said during a Saturday media briefing. “He didn’t think he needed it, and he runs his own security company.”

Social media reaction

In the wake of the murder, social media users began pointing fingers at Mkhwanazi, though no evidence has been presented publicly linking him to the killing.

“It was Witness D who testified that Julius Mkhwanazi told him to dump the body in the river,” @azania1023 wrote on X.

Another urser @Base76349028 said, “Julius Mkhwanazi has killed Witness D.”

“I strongly believe Julius Mkhwanazi is involved and paid hitmen who killed Witness D. Apparently, witnesses at the Madlanga Commission are pulling out. Sometimes, the best way to stay alive is to keep quiet. Think of your loved ones, not the government. I feel sad for his family,” @SEO30JJ wrote.

These accusations remain unverified, and authorities have urged the public not to speculate.

Mkhwanazi’s earlier response at the Commission

Responding to earlier allegations during testimony, Mkhwanazi confirmed he went to the scene of the disputed incident at around 3 a.m. after receiving a call from Hanekom about an operation that had gone wrong. 

He denied involvement, saying only that he suspected “they were successful and did something about it”.

Security measures strengthened

The Madlanga Commission, NATJOINTS, the SANDF and the State Security Agency confirmed they met on Saturday following Van der Merwe’s killing and agreed to strengthen the commission’s security plan. 

Officials from the Department of Justice also attended.

The meeting, held at the NATJOINTS Operations Centre in Pretoria, resolved to heighten security for Commission witnesses and officials.

“While extensive measures have been in place since the start of the Commission, the meeting identified a need to heighten these measures by roping in the NATJOINTS and all other relevant role players,” a joint statement said.

Authorities urged the public not to speculate as the investigation continues. Media will be briefed “in due course”.

President condemns murder

President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned the killing, calling it a “heinous crime” and urging a thorough investigation.

“We cannot allow this level of lawlessness, particularly in the security cluster, to continue,” he said, stressing the importance of stronger witness protection measures.

Political parties have also expressed deep concern and called for urgent, reinforced protection for all witnesses appearing before the Madlanga Commission.

IOL News