The family of Emmanuel Mbense, tortured to death in 2022, is seeking clarity on Witness D's testimony at the Madlanga Commission. The witness, identified as Marius van der Merwe, was assassinated shortly after revealing details of a police operation linked to Mbense's death. Commissioners have visited van der Merwe's family amid growing concerns for witness safety.
Emmanuel Mbense died in April 2022 after alleged torture by law enforcement and private security officers, with his body dumped in a dam. His family has demanded answers following testimony from Witness D at the Madlanga Commission, now identified as Marius van der Merwe.
Van der Merwe testified last month about an Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) operation that led to the murder of a shop owner and an attempted cover-up. He implicated suspended Acting EMPD Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwananzi in guiding the operation. Four days after the testimony, the Mbense family approached AfriForum's private prosecution unit for help. The unit has urged the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) to explain delays in finalizing the case and to provide updates.
AfriForum spokesperson Barry Bateman emphasized the need for arrests in the matter.
Tragedy struck when van der Merwe was assassinated on Friday outside his home in Brakpan, Gauteng's East Rand, with his wife and children in the car. A vehicle seen in footage before the shooting was recovered in Alexandra, north of Johannesburg. Police have cordoned off the streets and are guarding access points as investigations proceed.
On Wednesday afternoon, two Madlanga Commission members—Advocate Sesi Baloyi and Advocate Sandile Khumalo—visited the family with a bouquet of white flowers to pay respects. Justice Mbuyiseleni Madlanga did not attend. Evidence leader Advocate Mahlape Sello and the commissioners completed the visit. The incident has heightened scrutiny over the safety of commission officials and witnesses.
