Witness in Madlanga Commission Assassinated Amidst Illegal Mining Exposures
Brakpan – Marius van der Merwe, a key witness at the Madlanga Commission, was gunned down outside his home in Brakpan on Friday night, raising suspicions that his murder is linked to his efforts against illegal mining and his preparation to expose details about its operations and connections to state officials.
Van der Merwe, also known as “Witness D” at the Madlanga Commission, was the head of the QRF Task team, a private security company deeply involved in operations against illegal miners on the East Rand, including clearing the notorious Plastic City area.
Just days before his assassination, Van der Merwe reportedly sent a voice note to crime activist and ENCA journalist Yusuf Abramjee, seeking a platform to reveal more details about the body of an illegal miner that was buried in Benoni on the East Rand.
He claimed to have intelligence on the event and its aftermath and was eager to share his story publicly, despite fears he would be shot.
Abramjee said that while police need to get to the bottom and establish the motive behind Van der Merwe’s assassination, it is clear that he was actively involved in fighting ‘zama-zamas’, adding that it is important for police to also look into this.
Abramjee had previously posted on his X account that a private security company closed an illegal mine shaft used by ‘zama-zamas’ in Benoni, near the race track. “Reports coming in say several ‘zama-zamas’ are apparently trapped. One body has been brought to the surface,” read the post.
He said he was told that Van der Merwe faced some threats and that there was an attempt on his life in September. “They shot at his vehicle and he returned fire. This was also reported to the police, who failed to take action."
“Fighting illegal mining is extremely dangerous, and these ‘zama-zamas’ are brazen and notorious for illegal activities and killing. They are also a threat to many people in areas where they are,” said Abramjee.
Mining analyst and researcher at Bench Marks Foundation, David van Wyk, said Van der Merwe could have been targeted to keep secrets under wraps.
Van Wyk said he is also aware that politicians are also involved in illegal mining and that anyone exposing them, could be killed.
“Even the ‘zama-zamas’ that I have interviewed before have mentioned the names of senior politicians and business (people) who are involved in these syndicates. And if I were to mention their names, I would also be killed,” he said, adding that this is another form of political killing.
Van Wyk added that those implicated could have been aware that Van der Merwe was about to spill the beans. “The next thing he gets killed… because it threatens the powerful interests in the country.”
He said even security companies are involved, adding that this would also expose them because the officials and politicians hire security on the grounds to enforce the demands of the syndicates from the workers.
Chad Thomas, the CEO of IRS Forensic Investigations, confirmed that Van der Merwe was previously targeted and revealed that he knew he was on a hit list.
Thomas said the biggest problem is the infiltration into illicit mining by bad actors from government, business, and law enforcement who are benefiting from the ‘zama-zama’ turf wars and profiting from the illicit gold.
He said he was also aware that Van der Merwe had approached Abramjee in the days before his assassination and wanted to get something on the record regarding information that he had about illicit activities.
He also intended to expose alleged links between state officials and illegal mining syndicates through his testimony and information.
Weeks before he appeared at the Madlanga Commission, two suspects in a white SUV reportedly tried to kill Van der Merwe while he was patrolling for illegal miner activity.
He opened an attempted murder case with the police regarding this incident, but the police deny having a record of it.
During his testimony at the Madlanga Commission, Van Der Merwe provided evidence regarding the 2022 torture and death of an unnamed man (an alleged illegal miner, or 'zama-zama') and the subsequent efforts to cover up the crime and dispose of the body in a dam.
Meanwhile, police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) agreed to enhance the Commission’s security operational plan over the next two days.
“While extensive measures have been put in place to secure witnesses and officials since the start of the Commission, the meeting identified a need to heighten these measures by roping in the NATJOINTS and all other relevant role players,” said Mathe, adding that as investigations proceed into the murder of Van Der Merwe, members of the public are urged not to speculate.
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