Marius van der Merwe wanted to expose bigwigs in illegal mining

EXPOSING names of politicians who are involved in illegal mining could get one killed, says Mining analyst and researcher at Bench Marks Foundation, David van Wyk.

- MANYANE MANYANE

He made the remark in response to reports that Marius van der Merwe, who was a witness at the Madlanga Commission, sent a voice note to anti-crime activist and ENCA journalist Yusuf Abramjee, requesting a platform to disclose more details about the body of an illegal miner that was buried in Benoni on the East Rand.

Van der Merwe’s murder is also suspected to be linked to his efforts against illegal mining, especially as he was apparently preparing to expose more details about the operations and their links to state officials.

He claimed to have intelligence on the event and its aftermath and was eager to share his story publicly, despite fears he would be shot.

He also intended to expose alleged links between state officials and illegal mining syndicates through his testimony and information.

Abramjee posted on his X account that a private security company closed an illegal mine shaft used by ‘zama-zamas’ in Benoni, near the race track.

“Reports coming in say several ‘zama-zamas’ are apparently trapped. One body has been brought to the surface,’ read the post.

Van der Merwe, also known as “Witness D” was the head of the QRF Task team private security company, which was involved in operations against illegal miners on the East Rand, including clearing the notorious Plastic City area.