By Brigadier Athlenda Mathe
SAPS spokesperson
The Task Team established to investigate cases emanating from the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry have registered their first breakthrough with the arrest of a suspect believed to be the shooter in the Marius Van Der Merwe (Witness D) murder case.
The team that was established by General Fannie Masemola on instruction by the President took over investigations shortly after they were appointed.
After obtaining overwhelming evidence, the team obtained a J50 warrant of arrest this week and made their first arrest on Saturday, 14 March 2026.
The suspect believed to be the one who allegedly shot and killed Marius Van Der Merwe was arrested in Johannesburg.
The team is still on the ground where they are busy with a search and seizure operation at various identified addresses of the suspect.
The vehicle believed to have been used on the day that Witness D was murdered has also been seized.
He is expected to make his first appearance before the Brakpan Magistrates Court on Monday, 16 March 2026.
General Fannie Masemola has applauded the team for moving with speed in ensuring a breakthrough in this case.
Tshwane Talks readers have been able to read stories in this publication for free for over two years now. We still want our readers to access our stories for free, but we are asking those among our readers who can afford it to contribute at least R30 a month to cover some of the costs of publishing this independent, non-aligned online newspaper which gives a voice to all sectors of society irrespective of race, colour, creed, religion, or political affiliation. You may make your contribution by depositing at least R30 a month into Tshwane Talks' bank account. Details are as follows:
Bank Details
Bank: Standard Bank
Account Number: 10225548834
Account Type: Cheque Account