Pretoria: Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has extended her condolences to the family of Marius van der Merwe, who was shot and killed in front of his family in Brakpan last night. Van der Merwe, who had been a key witness at the Madlanga Commission, recently testified before the Commission.

According to South African Government News Agency, Kubayi, addressing the media in Pretoria, mentioned that Van der Merwe had been offered security assistance, which he declined, citing his ownership of a security firm and personal security arrangements. Kubayi emphasized the need for a review of security measures, having discussed the matter with Advocate Khumalo, who oversees security at the Commission.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has also expressed his condolences to Van der Merwe’s family, friends, and colleagues. Van der Merwe was a member of the Brakpan-based security industry and a former official of the Ekhurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department. He was tragically shot outside his home in Brakpan.

The South African Police Service has initiated a manhunt to track down the suspects responsible for the killing. The Madlanga Commission, known officially as the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System, released a statement expressing sorrow over the death of Van der Merwe.

The Commission acknowledged Van der Merwe’s significant role in exposing serious allegations of criminality and corruption within the Ekhuruleni Metropolitan Municipality and Ekhuruleni Metropolitan Police Department. They extended their deepest condolences to his family during this difficult time.