“How do I say goodbye” – are the poignant words written by the widow of Marius van der Merwe, a whistleblower in the Madlanga Commission, who was gunned down on Friday, 5 December.
The former Ekhuruleni Merro police officer, who started his own private security business, testified about a corruption cover-up, allegedly orchestrated by police boss Julius Mkhwanazi.
Known as “Vlam”, van der Merwe recently reported an attempt on his life. During the commission, he spoke on anonymity. He also turned down police protection.
MADLANGA COMMISSION MURDER: WHISTLEBLOWER’S WIFE BREAKS SILENCE
In a TikTok video, Leanne van der Merwe, the wife of Marius van der Merwe, shared a heartbreaking tribute to her husband, who was gunned down outside his home on Friday.
The professional photographer shared a video montage of her husband out and about with his family.
“How do I say goodbye? How do I carry on, never seeing you again?
She added, “I love you forever, babe.”
@_lea_gray_ollie How do I say goodbye? How do I carry on never seeing you again? 😭😭😭😭😭😭 I love you forever babe, always!! #QRFtaskteam #vlam #marius ♬ som original – maya🤍
Marius van der Merwe was murdered less than two weeks after he testified at the Madlanga Commission into police corruption. Although speaking under anonymity as “Witness D”, van der Merwe raised concerns about a possible hit on his life.
He later told The Citizen of his premonition, claiming his “days are numbered.”
PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA OFFERS CONDOLENCES
Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa has offered his condolences to the family of Marius van der Merwe.
He shared in a statement: “While our law enforcement agencies establish the circumstances leading to this heinous act, I am appalled and saddened by this attack on a former public servant who recently served the cause of justice and integrity by testifying at the Madlanga Commission.”
“My thoughts are with the deeply traumatised family who came under attack last night.
“They faced death in circumstances that suggest Van der Merwe’s brave testimony angered elements in our society who want to undermine the rule of law and set back the quest for truth and consequences in the fight against corruption.
The president added, “Amid this trauma, we must remain resolute to end corruption and bring to justice those who have done wrong and are plotting to do more.
In July, Ramaphosa established the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference, and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System, better known as the Madlanga Commission.
The commission was tasked with investigating serious allegations of corruption, criminality and political interference within South Africa’s criminal-justice system.