Alleges ‘Witness D’ Carried Out Killings on Orders of a Premier
By Chris Williams
Cape Town, South Africa –
Suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi dropped a bombshell during his testimony at Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee, accusing the late Witness D of carrying out killings under the instruction of a certain Premier and claiming to have photos and videos as proof, including evidence that Witness D torched a 59-year-old woman by covering her head with plastic.
This explosive claim, made on 4 December 2025, came as Mkhwanazi defended himself against serious allegations levelled by Witness D at the Madlanga Commission, insisting he never met or knew the man until after his death,
adding a layer of intrigue to a probe into police corruption and criminal infiltration that has gripped the nation.
The Shocking Allegations in Detail
During his appearance before the Ad Hoc Committee, set up to investigate claims of criminal syndicates infiltrating law enforcement, Mkhwanazi turned the tables on Witness D, portraying him as a dangerous figure involved in multiple violent acts.
He alleged that Witness D had killed people on direct orders from a Premier, linking these actions to broader political violence in areas plagued by corruption and taxi wars.
Mkhwanazi claimed to hold solid proof, including photos and videos, that showed Witness D’s involvement in these crimes.
One particularly chilling detail was Mkhwanazi’s assertion that Witness D had torched a 59-year-old woman, covering her head with plastic to carry out the brutal act.
This accusation paints Witness D as someone who operated with impunity, possibly as part of networks tied to powerful figures.
Mkhwanazi stressed that these were not baseless claims but backed by evidence he was willing to share, urging the committee to dig deeper into Witness D’s past to uncover the truth.
Despite these damning statements, Mkhwanazi maintained he had no personal connection to Witness D. “I never meet or known Witness D , I only knew about him after his death,” he said, explaining that he learned of the man’s actions through investigations and reports that surfaced later.
This denial raises questions about how Mkhwanazi came by the alleged proof, suggesting it stemmed from police work or informants rather than direct involvement.
These revelations come amid a backdrop of escalating tensions, where Witness D had previously accused Mkhwanazi of orchestrating a cover-up in a 2022 murder case involving a robbery suspect tortured and killed by rogue officers.
Witness D claimed Mkhwanazi ordered him to dispose of the body in a mine shaft or dam, implicating him in a scheme to hide the crime.
Mkhwanazi denied any role in such a cover-up during his testimony, placing himself near the scene but insisting his actions were above board.
Witness D’s Tragic End and the Madlanga Commission
Witness D, later identified as 41-year-old former EMPD officer Marius van der Merwe, was gunned down outside his Brakpan home on 5 December 2025, mere weeks after his explosive testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
The commission, probing irregularities in the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department, heard Van der Merwe detail how he was forced to help dump the suspect’s body after a botched operation went wrong.
He described Mkhwanazi’s instruction as a clear directive aimed at him, interpreting it as a threat to his own life if he did not comply.
Van der Merwe’s murder, carried out with an AK-47 in front of his family, has been called an assault on democracy, raising alarms about witness protection in high-stakes probes.
Sources close to the case suggest corrupt elements in law enforcement and private security were unhappy with his revelations, fearing exposure of their activities over the past five years.
Van der Merwe was also active against illegal mining syndicates, known as Zama Zamas, on the East and West Rand, facing threats that forced him to relocate multiple times.
The killing has cast doubt on the state’s ability to safeguard those who speak out, with political parties demanding better whistle-blower protections.
It has deterred potential witnesses, who now fear for their safety when testifying against powerful figures.
The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure met with commission officials to brief on the investigation, utilizing the opportunity to discuss broader efforts to secure the inquiry.
Mkhwanazi’s Testimony and Denials
In his own defence at both the Madlanga Commission and the Ad Hoc Committee, Mkhwanazi admitted to being at the murder scene around 3am after receiving a call about an operation gone wrong but denied any involvement in a cover-up.
He explained arriving to assess the situation but insisted he gave no orders to dispose of the body or tamper with evidence. Instead, he portrayed himself as a leader focused on proper procedures, countering claims of a “reign of terror” that included torture, extrajudicial killings and corrupt deals.
Mkhwanazi’s allegations against Van der Merwe appear to be a counter-strategy, aiming to discredit the late witness by painting him as a criminal with ties to violent acts.
He claimed Van der Merwe was involved in politically linked killings, possibly under a Premier’s orders, and backed this with supposed visual evidence of the torching incident.
This shift from defender to accuser has intensified scrutiny on Mkhwanazi, who is suspended amid probes into his promotion and relationships with figures like crime boss Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
The committees are tasked with uncovering truths about criminal infiltration in policing, including blue-lights scandals, political interference and corrupt networks.
Mkhwanazi’s testimony wraps up a phase of the inquiry, with calls for audits on task teams and deeper investigations into these claims.
Broader Implications for Justice and Safety
This saga exposes deep cracks in South Africa’s law enforcement, where witnesses risk their lives to speak out against corruption.
Van der Merwe’s death, coming so soon after his testimony, has been condemned as an attack on the Madlanga Commission’s work, intended to silence others.
It raises urgent questions about protection for those exposing wrongdoing, with experts warning that without better safeguards, key evidence will stay hidden.
For communities in Ekurhuleni and beyond, these revelations highlight the dangers of rogue elements in police ranks.
Families of victims in related cases, like the tortured suspect, seek closure, while political parties push for reforms to dismantle syndicates and restore trust.
As probes continue, Mkhwanazi’s explosive claims against Van der Merwe – a man no longer able to defend himself – add fuel to a fire that could reshape how South Africa tackles corruption in its justice system.
The nation watches closely, hoping for truth and accountability to prevail over fear and silence.
🔴Central News Special Edition | Issue 122: Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Suspended Ekurhuleni Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi Vows ‘I Can’t Go to Jail and Leave My Kids’ Amid Blue Lights Saga Scrutiny 🔴
Download here⬇️⬇️⬇️
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube