Key Takeaways
- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the killing of a key witness in a police abuse case, Marius Van der Merwe, who was gunned down in front of his family.
- Van der Merwe had testified against a municipal police chief at an inquiry into alleged criminality in the justice system, and his identity had been kept secret until his death.
- President Ramaphosa has pledged to intensify efforts to safeguard witnesses and protect whistleblowers, and has vowed to remain resolute in ending corruption.
- The killing has been condemned by Amnesty International South Africa, which warns that it could deter future witnesses who fear reprisals.
- The judicial commission investigating the case was set up in July, and has heard testimony from several high-ranking officials, including Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and municipal police chief Julius Mkhwanazi.
Introduction to the Incident
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his shock and sadness at the killing of a key witness in a police abuse case. Marius Van der Merwe, who was codenamed Witness D, was gunned down in front of his family on Friday night, just weeks after testifying against a municipal police chief at an inquiry into alleged criminality in the justice system. The killing has sent shockwaves throughout the country, and has raised concerns about the safety of witnesses and the effectiveness of the justice system.
The Testimony of Marius Van der Merwe
Marius Van der Merwe’s testimony was a significant development in the inquiry into alleged criminality in the justice system. In November, he told the inquiry that suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi had ordered him to dispose of the body of a suspect who died in police custody in 2022. Van der Merwe, who was a former EMPD officer at the time, said that he had obeyed the order and dumped the body in a dam. This testimony was a crucial piece of evidence in the inquiry, and highlighted the need for greater accountability and transparency within the police force.
Reaction from President Ramaphosa
President Ramaphosa has condemned the killing of Marius Van der Merwe, and has pledged to intensify efforts to safeguard witnesses and protect whistleblowers. In a statement, he said that he was "appalled and saddened" by the attack, and that his thoughts were with the deeply traumatized family. He also vowed to remain resolute in ending corruption, and to ensure that those who testify against wrongdoing are protected. "As government, we will redouble our efforts to protect whistleblowers, including witnesses… as they serve the nation with bravery in the face of criminal threats," he said.
Condemnation from Amnesty International
The killing of Marius Van der Merwe has also been condemned by Amnesty International South Africa, which warns that it could deter future witnesses who fear reprisals. The rights group said that the killing was "not only an attack on an individual but on justice and accountability in South Africa". This statement highlights the concern that the killing of Van der Merwe could have a chilling effect on the willingness of other witnesses to come forward, and could undermine the effectiveness of the justice system.
The Judicial Commission
The judicial commission investigating the case was set up in July, after a provincial police chief accused Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and other senior officials of blocking probes into politically motivated killings. The commission, led by former Constitutional Court judge Mbuyiseli Madlanga, has heard testimony from several high-ranking officials, including Mchunu and Mkhwanazi. Both Mchunu and Mkhwanazi have denied wrongdoing, but the commission’s findings are expected to be significant in shedding light on the extent of corruption and wrongdoing within the police force.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The killing of Marius Van der Merwe is a tragic reminder of the risks faced by witnesses and whistleblowers in South Africa. President Ramaphosa’s pledge to intensify efforts to safeguard witnesses and protect whistleblowers is a welcome development, but it will require concrete action to ensure that those who testify against wrongdoing are protected. The judicial commission’s findings will be closely watched, and will be an important step in holding those responsible for corruption and wrongdoing to account. Ultimately, the killing of Marius Van der Merwe must not be in vain, and must serve as a catalyst for greater accountability and transparency within the justice system.
