Van der Merwe killing sparks fears of a private security hit list

Van der Merwe killing sparks fears of a private security hit list Estelle.Bronkhorst Tue, 12/09/2025 - 10:50 BRAKPAN - The Friday assassination of Witness D, Marius Van De Merwe, has sent shockwaves ricocheting through whistleblower circles and the private security world.In this eNCA exclusive, we tracked down two industry insiders.Because they once worked with Van De Merwe, had their names dropped at the commission, and know a little too much about the industry’s underbelly, both believe they’re next in line.They claim they are now also on a hit list and fear for their lives.Just hours before his murder, Van der Merwe requested an interview with eNCA, saying he wanted to blow the lid on illegal mining.He also said that he feared for his life. At the Madlanga Commission, Van Der Merwe implicated several individuals, including suspended Deputy EMPD Chief Julius Mkhwanazi and private security industry players.Witness D implicated Etienne Van der Walt at the Madlanga Commission.Witness D told the commission that Van der Walt, an informant Jaco Hanekom and Chris Smit from private security had appointment letters from EMPD stating that they formed part of an EMPD truck hijacking task team. These letters were signed by Julius Mkhwanazi.Witness D also said the group was at the crime scene in Brakpan in 2022, where an alleged suspect was tortured and tubed to death.Van der Walt has denied any wrongdoing. Van der Walt says he would ve wanted a chance to clear his name before Van Der Merwe’s death. I m not angry. I m angry that he is not around anymore. Because my token to prove him wrong has been taken, he said. I m frustrated that I didn t get my chance to see Marius say sorry to me. Another private security operator, Chris Smit, was also implicated by Van der Merwe.Witness D alleged he was involved in a truck hijacking. But he denied this. Both men say they’re now starring on a hit list, a roster that once also included Van der Merwe.And it s all thanks to the sensitive information they have about syndicate operations.They re both willing to go before the commission. eNCA understands that IPID and police have now prioritised the Brakpan 2022 murder case mentioned by Van der Merwe at the Madlanga Commission.Suspects have been questioned.Police say three persons of interest have been identified, and as investigations continue, one has already been questioned. eNCA’s Pule Letshwiti-Jones and Yusuf Abramjee put together this exclusive report.

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