Gauteng

South African police have identified three persons of interest in the murder of a key whistle-blower witness at the Madlanga Commission, with one individual already being questioned, the national police commissioner said on Monday. Marius van der Merwe, 41, who testified as “Witness D” at the judicial inquiry into police corruption, was shot dead outside […]

South Africa’s justice minister on Saturday defended the government’s witness protection programme after the assassination of a key anti-corruption commission witness, blaming media coverage and social media users for exposing the victim’s identity. Marius van der Merwe, 41, was shot dead with an automatic rifle outside his Brakpan home on Friday evening in front of […]

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Saturday condemned the killing of a key witness in the country’s police corruption inquiry, vowing to strengthen protection for whistleblowers after the man was gunned down in front of his family. Marius van der Merwe, 41, a former Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department officer who testified as “Witness D” at […]

Marius “Vlam” van der Merwe, a witness who testified at South Africa’s Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, has been shot dead in Brakpan, police confirmed on Friday evening. Police confirmed that Van der Merwe was shot dead in Brenthurst, Brakpan, Ekurhuleni. Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe told The Citizen that police management were en route to […]

Suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department acting head Julius Mkhwanazi admitted on Wednesday that he refused to submit his fingerprints for criminal record checks during a department-wide vetting process in 2022. Testifying before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in Pretoria, Mkhwanazi said he and nearly 200 officers under his command in the Specialized Services Division declined […]

Lawyers for incarcerated businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala have requested a postponement of his testimony before a parliamentary committee investigating police corruption, threatening court action if the panel does not respond. Matlala’s legal team sent a letter on Tuesday requesting the planned proceedings be delayed, citing his lack of preparation. The lawyers are also citing poor […]

South Africa’s Parliament will convene at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre this week to hear testimony from incarcerated businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, a central figure in investigations into alleged criminal infiltration of the country’s justice system. The Ad Hoc Committee established to investigate allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal provincial police head Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi is scheduled […]

South Africa’s Afrika Mayibuye Movement is offering supporters a seat next to party leader Floyd Shivambu for 2 million rand ($110,000) at a fundraising gala scheduled for Nov. 28, according to a statement released by the party on Friday. The R2 million package includes a three-course meal and live entertainment at the Mhulu Luxury Boutique […]

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi survived a vote of no confidence in South Africa’s provincial legislature on Friday, the first such challenge to his leadership since forming a minority government last year. The motion, brought by the opposition Democratic Alliance three weeks ago, failed with 54 members voting against removal, 24 in favor, and one abstention. […]

Four victims of a drive-by shooting that killed six people in Reiger Park were buried on Saturday, as the Gauteng community called for swift justice amid fears of escalating gang violence. Cousins Patricia Nieuwenhuys, 41, and Ruth Marais, 32, were laid to rest in a joint funeral service, while separate services were held for Royden […]