National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola has confirmed that the vehicle believed to have been used in the murder of Witness D identified as Marius van der Merwe has been recovered.
Van der Merwe, who testified before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, was shot dead outside his Brakpan home on Friday. CCTV footage shows a white bakkie pulling up behind his vehicle just as he arrived at his gate. Moments later, he was shot multiple times and died at the scene.
Masemola, who visited the family on Monday, said a white Chevrolet bakkie matching the description was found abandoned in Alexandra on Saturday, only hours after the killing.
“We believe we have found the vehicle used in the murder of Mr Marius van der Merwe,” Masemola said. “It has been sent to our forensic laboratory for further analysis.”
He also confirmed that three persons of interest have been identified and are being questioned.
Police are probing two other cases linked to Van der Merwe including the Duduza murder matter he had testified about, as well as an attempted hit on his life in September. The firearm used in Friday’s attack has not yet been recovered, and the motive remains unknown.
Masemola added that authorities are reviewing safety measures for those involved in the commission. “The NATJOINTS and commission officials met over the weekend, and discussions are being finalised on implementing the enhanced security plan,” he said.