Photo of Staff Bona

Witness D hit car found in Alex — Cops zero in on three suspects

10 months By Staff Bona

Police have made a breakthrough in the assassination of whistle-blower Marius van der Merwe, known as Witness D in the Madlanga Commission, with National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola confirming that one of the vehicles used in the hit has been found abandoned in Alexandra.

Fannie, who on Monday visited Marius’s Brakpan home with senior SAPS officials, said investigators were moving swiftly.

“One of the vehicles used during the shooting has been found,” he said. “It was discovered earlier today in Alexandra township. We have also identified three people of interest.”

Crime journalist Yusuf Abramjee, who shared exclusive footage of the recovered vehicle, said it was located on Monday morning.

“The vehicle was found earlier today in Alex,” Yusuf posted, adding that police were piecing together the movements of the suspects.

Fannie, speaking ahead of a media briefing at the crime scene, said police were working closely with oversight bodies to ensure the investigation is airtight.

According to SAPS speaker notes released on Monday evening, the commissioner and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) met with the investigating team for updates on both the Marius case and the separate Duduza murder matter.

“We have earlier this evening met with the investigating team on the murder case of Mr Marius Van Der Merwe together with IPID,” the notes state.

Marius, who had repeatedly told friends and colleagues that he feared for his life, was gunned down outside his Brakpan home. His killing has intensified public pressure on the state to protect whistle-blowers linked to high-level police corruption investigations.

Fannie said further details would be released once investigators had completed key forensic and intelligence analyses.

Police are urging anyone with information to come forward.

First published by African Insider

Compiled by Betha Madhomu

Also see: Outrage as Ramaphosa responds to murder of brave witness against police

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