Madlanga Commission's witness murder a threat to SA investment reputation

Assassination of witness sparks renewed concern over ability to safeguard investors' confidence

- SIPHELELE DLUDLA AND YOGASHEN PILLAY

THE Ahmed Kathrada Foundation (AKF), Defend our Democracy, and other civil society organisations on Sunday lent their support to the family of slain former Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department official Marius van der Merwe, who was murdered outside his house on Friday.

(ITUMELENG ENGLISH - Independent Newspapers)

THE assassination of a key witness in the Madlanga Judicial Commission of Inquiry has sparked renewed concern over South Africa's ability to safeguard investors' confidence, protect whistle-blowers and uphold the rule of law.

The Madlanga Commission is investigating allegations of political interference and corruption in the criminal justice system, including alleged infiltration of criminal syndicates into law enforcement, intelligence, prosecution authorities, the judiciary, and correctional services, among others.

The murder of Marius van der Merwe, referred to as "Witness D" outside his Brakapan home at the weekend has raised alarms among governance specialists and economists just months after the country exited the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) greylist.

Business Against Crime South Africa (BACSA) said South Africa's efforts to tackle organised crime and corruption depend heavily on strong, trusted whistleblower and witness-protection systems.

BACSA said the reforms needed to bridge the gaps between the Protected Disclosures Act and the broader witness-protection framework have been on hold for more than 18 months, and this pause is creating real vulnerabilities for those who step forward with critical information.