Overview
- National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola said three persons of interest have been identified and one has been questioned in the slaying of Marius van der Merwe, known as Witness D.
- Investigators recovered a white Chevrolet bakkie believed to have been used in the attack, found abandoned in Alexandra and seized for forensic analysis, with evidence indicating two vehicles were involved.
- Police confirmed an AK‑47 was used in the shooting and said the firearm has not yet been recovered, while the motive remains under investigation.
- CCTV from the night shows Van der Merwe interacting with men believed to be linked to the attack shortly before he was shot outside his Brakpan home, where nothing was taken from him.
- The NATJOINTS and the Madlanga Commission have coordinated to increase security for officials and witnesses, and President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned the killing and pledged stronger whistleblower protection.