Credible solution needed to protect whistle-blowers

THE killing of Marius van der Merwe, known as Witness D at the Madlanga Commission, has forced South Africans to face a tough truth: coming forward in this country often comes with great personal risk.

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Van der Merwe was shot multiple times outside his home in Brakpan, right in front of his family, shortly after he testified about torture, illegal interrogations, and the dumping of a body involving EMPD officials and private security.

While the link between his testimony and his murder has not been confirmed at this stage, the timing raises serious questions. When witnesses keep ending up dead or facing intimidation soon after stepping forward, fear becomes a part of everyday life.