Brakpan bid farewell to Marius van der Merwe (42), known nationally as "Witness D," with a hero’s send-off at Medley House on Tuesday, 17 December. Van der Merwe, fondly known as "Vlam," was shot and killed in a cold-blooded attack outside his home two weeks prior, on 5 December.
The funeral service was held as his wife, Leanne van der Merwe, wept uncontrollably as the hearse carrying her husband slowly pulled away. It was a moment of stark reality as she faced the finality of never seeing her brave husband again.
As the hearse left for the crematorium, private security companies formed a guard of honour for Van der Merwe, a man who dedicated his life to fighting crime.
Van der Merwe's death occurred just weeks after he gave explosive testimony at the Madlanga Commission. In his testimony, he made a significant claim, alleging that EMPD deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi instructed him to dispose of the body of Emmanuel Mbense. Mbense allegedly died during a brutal "tubing" interrogation by police officers.
Family and friends described Van der Merwe as a fearless man. Family friend Samantha Labuschagne said: "Vlam was our pillar. Whenever there was a shooting, he was at the front line. We will not stand still until he gets justice!"
Friend Nikita Olivier expressed gratitude to the community and Samelihle Funeral Parlour for their support during this difficult time. She noted that Samelihle Funeral Parlour provided them with a tent, chairs, and bottled water, among other necessities.
"The kids are traumatised but doing well. Leanne has great support from her family and in-laws," she said.
While the service was brief, the message was clear: Brakpan has lost a giant, and the pursuit of his killers is underway.
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