The absence of Mike van Wyk from the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry last week shifted attention to private security ties and mining sector friction in South Africa.
Mike van Wyk was scheduled to testify before the Madlanga Commission last Monday but did not appear after experiencing panic attacks. Evidence leader Matthew Chaskalson SC read documents and messages instead, giving Van Wyk a chance to respond later.
The proceedings examined Van Wyk’s past business links with mining boss George van der Merwe, formerly general manager at Optimum Coal Mine. A video shown at the commission featured Van Wyk introducing suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi to a client identified as Van der Merwe.
Messages from February 2025 discussed a shooting that wounded logistics company owner Maxwell Mlangeni near the Optimum Coal Mine. The commission also reviewed Van Wyk’s involvement in private security firms such as Anubis Protection Services and Medicare 24 Holdings.
Van der Merwe was arrested in February 2026 for alleged threats in the mining sector but the case was struck from the roll. He denied any wrongdoing in a March interview.
