Another suspect sought by police in Marius van der Merwe assassination
Police intensify their investigation into the assassination of Marius van der Merwe.
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Authorities are on the lookout for an additional suspect involved in the assassination of Marius van der Merwe, following the arrest of the alleged shooter on Saturday.
National police commissioner General Fannie Masemola confirmed that the arrested individual is expected to appear in the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court on Monday, facing charges related to the murder that occurred on December 5.
He was known as Witness D at the Madlanga Commission.
Van der Merwe, who was shot dead at his Brakpan home, was a member of the security industry and a former Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department official.
Shortly before his murder, Van der Merwe had testified at the commission.
During a press briefing on the SA National Defence Force and police’s joint operation to fight crime, Masemola said: “We are thankful we have made a breakthrough in the murder of Witness D.
"The person will appear in court on Monday."
He said the police are hunting for another suspect
"One of the suspects... we are still hunting them," he said.
"More will come out as time goes on."
He refused to comment on the motive for the murder.
Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said: “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 murder case.
“The vehicle believed to have been used on the day that Witness D was murdered has also been seized.”
Meanwhile, the Madlanga Commission has welcomed the arrest.
“The commission urges the relevant law enforcement agencies to ensure justice for the families of all those affected by people who are attempting to resist accountability for their alleged acts of criminality,” said spokesperson Jeremy Michaels.