The memorial service of Madlanga Commission witness Marius van der Merwe, also known as ‘Witness D‘, was held at the Medley House Conference Centre in Brakpan on Wednesday, as family, friends and colleagues gathered to honour a man many described as a hero and champion for justice.
Van der Merwe, a former law enforcement officer and private security consultant, was murdered in an apparent targeted hit outside his Brakpan home on 5 December.
Concerns over safety of whistleblowers
His killing has sent shockwaves through the community and intensified concerns over the safety of whistleblowers in South Africa.
About 200 mourners attended the afternoon service, the second of the day. A private memorial for close family and friends was held earlier in the morning.
Members of various private security companies were present, some visibly armed and masked, underscoring the tense atmosphere surrounding the event.
During the proceedings, a group of uniformed officers broke into spontaneous song in tribute to Van der Merwe, a moment that reflected the deep respect he commanded among colleagues and community members alike.
Tributes
An Ekurhuleni chaplain read several tributes on behalf of the family, including emotional messages from Marius van der Merwe’s children.
His wife, Lee-Anne van der Merwe, described him as the love of her life and said his legacy would continue through their children.
Police investigations into the murder remain ongoing.
