By: Xolani Khumalo
The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has welcomed the arrest of a suspect in the murder of a key witness who testified before the commission.
The suspect, believed to have shot and killed Marius van der Merwe, also known as Witness D, was apprehended in Johannesburg over the weekend.
Van der Merwe testified before the commission in November last year, where he implicated suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) acting deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi in alleged wrongdoing.
The commission, chaired by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Madlanga, was established to investigate allegations of corruption, criminality and political interference within the EMPD.
The commission’s spokesperson, Jeremy Michaels, says the suspect is expected to appear in court on Monday in connection with Van der Merwe’s murder.
Authorities have not yet released further details about the suspect or possible motives behind the killing. Investigations are continuing.
