South Africans rally around family of slain whistleblower Marius van der Merwe

SOUTH Africans have rallied together to comfort the Van der Merwe family of slain Madlanga Commission witness Marius “Vlam” Van der Merwe, who was known as Witness D.

- ALYSSIA BIRJALAL

The 41-year-old former Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) officer was shot dead in full view of his family in Brakpan on Friday, shortly after 8pm.

Police said the attackers were travelling in a white Nissan NP200 bakkie and confirmed that an AK-47 automatic rifle was used. A manhunt is underway.

In the wake of this tragedy, Leanne has turned to social media, sharing her grief through a series of heartfelt TikTok videos that have resonated deeply with South Africans.

"I cling to our memories, it’s all I can do now. I don't know how I’m going to get through this, babe. How am I going to live knowing I'll never hear you say you love me, never get another hug, never get a kakout for not letting you know I'm at work safe.

“It’s just so unfair. I love you forever,” she expressed in her latest TikTok.

Her videos have not only offered a glimpse into her sorrow but have also sparked an outpouring of sympathy and support from a country grieving alongside her.

Comments on her posts showed the nation’s collective heartbreak.

"The entire South Africa is crying with you, Leanne. Sorry for what has happened.”