Manhunt for Mastermind Behind Deadly Hit

Key Takeaways:

• A special police team has been assembled to investigate the murder of Marius "Vlam" van der Merwe, a security company owner who testified at the Madlanga inquiry into allegations of criminal infiltration and corruption in the justice cluster.
• Van der Merwe was shot and killed outside his Brakpan home on Friday evening, and his wife escaped unharmed.
• The police have launched a manhunt for the person who ordered the hit and the gunmen who executed the shooting.
• The murder is believed to be linked to Van der Merwe’s testimony at the Madlanga commission, where he implicated suspended Ekurhuleni metro police deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi in the cover-up of a murder scene.
• President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the attack and urged law enforcement agencies to undertake a thorough investigation and ensure that the perpetrators face justice.

Introduction to the Murder Investigation
The murder of Marius "Vlam" van der Merwe, a security company owner who testified at the Madlanga inquiry into allegations of criminal infiltration and corruption in the justice cluster, has sent shockwaves throughout the country. Van der Merwe, who was actively involved in efforts to clamp down on illegal mining by "zama zamas" on the East Rand, was gunned down when he arrived at his Brakpan home on Friday evening. The police have assembled a special team to investigate the murder, and National police commissioner Gen Fannie Masemola has instructed NatJoints co-chair, Lt-Gen Tebello Mosikili, to convene a meeting of the integrated security structure to discuss and look at ways of enhancing the safety of commission officials and all witnesses.

The Crime Scene and Preliminary Investigation
At the crime scene outside Van der Merwe’s home, various police units, including ballistics and crime scene experts, crime intelligence officers, and members of the serious and violent crime unit, worked until the early hours of Saturday morning, combing the scene for evidence. According to the preliminary investigation, Van der Merwe had arrived at his home just after 8:30 pm on Friday with his wife. As he was about to open the gate, he was shot and sustained wounds to his upper body. He was certified dead at the scene, while his wife, who was a passenger in the car, escaped unharmed. Nothing was taken during the attack, and Van der Merwe’s firearm, cellphone, and wallet were still in his possession. The police have confirmed that an AK47 automatic rifle was used in the commission of the crime.

Reaction from the Commission and Government
The Madlanga commission has condemned the attack and offered their condolences to Van der Merwe’s family. Jeremy Michaels, spokesperson for the commission, acknowledged Van der Merwe’s contribution towards uncovering serious allegations of criminality and corruption in the Ekhuruleni Metropolitan Municipality and EMPD. President Cyril Ramaphosa has also condemned the attack, saying that he was thinking of Van der Merwe’s family, who witnessed him being shot, "and wishes them strength for their recovery from a deadly trauma". Ramaphosa urged law enforcement agencies to undertake a thorough investigation and to ensure that the perpetrators face justice. He also stated that the government will redouble its efforts to protect whistleblowers, including witnesses before the Madlanga Commission and the Commission itself, as they serve the nation with bravery in the face of criminal threats.

The Investigation and Manhunt
The police have launched a manhunt for the person who ordered the hit and the gunmen who executed the shooting. A case of murder has been registered, and the police are also looking for the murder weapon. The investigation is ongoing, and the police are working to establish the circumstances leading to the murder. While there is as yet no proven link to the Madlanga commission’s work, the police are exploring all possible motives and leads. The special police team assembled to investigate the murder is working around the clock to gather evidence and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Conclusion and Call to Action
The murder of Marius "Vlam" van der Merwe is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who dare to speak out against corruption and criminality. It is imperative that the government and law enforcement agencies take concrete steps to protect whistleblowers and witnesses, and to ensure that those who commit such heinous crimes are brought to justice. The country must remain resolute in its fight against corruption and crime, and the murder of Van der Merwe must not be allowed to undermine the progress made in this regard. As Ramaphosa said, "Amid this trauma, we must remain resolute to end corruption and bring to justice those who have done wrong and are plotting to do more."