Johannesburg – The murder of Marius van der Merwe, a key witness in the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in South Africa, has sparked strong criticism regarding the government’s witness protection programme.
Mmamoloko Kubayi, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, defended the government’s efforts in ensuring the safety of witnesses despite Van der Merwe’s tragic death. The former EMPD officer was shot outside his Brakpan home on Friday night, shortly after testifying about corruption in the police force, specifically implicating Julius Mkhwanazi, the suspended head of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD).
Kubayi insisted that Van der Merwe had been offered protection but had turned it down. The Minister expressed confidence in the effectiveness of the witness protection programme and the Madlanga Commission’s commitment to securing witnesses. “I don’t think the commission has been negligent; they have done everything in their power to protect,” she said. 
The murder has, however, raised concerns about the programme’s reliability, with some sources claiming that Van der Merwe was left vulnerable. Critics, including those in the security sector, argued that the commission’s attempts to conceal witness identities were ineffective, as Van der Merwe’s identity became known once he started testifying.
Kubayi also criticized media coverage of the incident, accusing the public of exposing Van der Merwe’s identity through social media. She further suggested that the manner in which testimonies are delivered at the Madlanga Commission should be reconsidered, potentially moving to private sessions to enhance security for witnesses.
“The right to life should come before public interest,” Kubayi stated, acknowledging that this incident had brought to light the need for a review of current procedures. She called on the public to support the protection of witnesses, even if it means limiting public access to certain information. “We must ensure that our institutions are protected from criminals who would seek to harm those who are trying to uphold justice,” she said.
