Police have made a major breakthrough in the murder investigation of Marius Van Der Merwe, widely known as Witness D, whose killing shocked the country and raised serious concerns around witnesses linked to the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
A specialised task team established to investigate cases arising from the Madlanga Commission has arrested a suspect believed to be the gunman responsible for the killing.
The task team was established by National Commissioner Lieutenant-General Fannie Masemola on the instruction of the President to prioritise investigations linked to the commission.
Read also:BREAKTHROUGH: Suspect Arrested For Murder Of Madlanga Commission Witness
SAPS national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that investigators obtained a J50 warrant of arrest earlier this week after gathering what she described as overwhelming evidence.
The suspect was arrested in Johannesburg on Saturday.
Police have also seized the vehicle believed to have been used during the murder, while search and seizure operations are continuing at several addresses linked to the suspect.
“The suspect believed to be the one who allegedly shot and killed Marius Van Der Merwe was arrested in Johannesburg,” said Mathe.
“The team is still on the ground where they are busy with search and seizure operations at various identified addresses of the suspect.”
The arrested suspect is expected to make his first appearance before the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
National Commissioner Fannie Masemola praised the investigation team for acting swiftly in securing the arrest, describing it as an important step in ensuring accountability in the high-profile case.
The murder of Van Der Merwe, known as Witness D in matters linked to the Madlanga Commission, sparked national concern over the safety of individuals connected to the inquiry.
Investigations remain ongoing and police have indicated that further developments may follow.
MDNtv continues to follow the story closely and will bring updates as the case unfolds.