Witness Murder Prompts Secrecy Over Criminal Justice Inquiry Report
PRETORIA – The interim report of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference, and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System will be kept confidential, the Presidency has announced. This decision is primarily to safeguard the identities and well-being of witnesses involved in the inquiry.
The announcement follows the brutal murder of Marius van der Merwe, identified as Witness D in the Madlanga commission. Van der Merwe was shot dead in front of his wife outside his home in Brakpan, Ekurhuleni, just over a week ago.
Van der Merwe had previously testified before the commission, implicating the suspended deputy chief of the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department in serious crimes, including the disposal of a dead body. Police have confirmed that an AK-47 automatic rifle was used in the attack.
According to police reports, "He was certified dead at the scene. His wife, who was a passenger in the car, escaped unharmed, and it should be noted that nothing was taken from Witness D, seeing his firearm, cellphone, and wallet were still in his possession."
President Cyril Ramaphosa established the commission in July following explosive allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, regarding state security-related matters. The commission is being led by retired Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga.
Ramaphosa is scheduled to receive the interim report on Wednesday. Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya explained on Monday that releasing the interim report to the public at this stage would endanger the lives of other witnesses who are yet to complete their testimony.
Magwenya did, however, assure the public that the final report will be made available.
Process Still Underway
“The commission will call back some of the witnesses to continue their evidence. Some had evidence located in certain specific areas but not as broad as it was meant to be,” Magwenya stated. “So, those witnesses are still going to be given a chance to return to the commission to provide evidence."
Magwenya cautioned against premature speculation and debate based on incomplete information. “It is not going to be helpful to then start chewing and debating on something that is half-baked. The president will certainly look into it; he hasn’t had the luxury of time to follow the commission’s hearing every day."
He added, “The interim report will help him familiarize himself with the current status of the commission and the issues it has discussed and addressed.”
Magwenya stressed the importance of allowing the commission to proceed without interference, reiterating the commitment to releasing the final report. He also noted that Ramaphosa will follow the commission’s guidelines regarding state security matters to ensure proper procedures are followed.
Magwenya further confirmed that all individuals who have appeared or are scheduled to appear before the commission are currently receiving security support.
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