By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The South African Police Services (SAPS) national commissioner Fanie Masemola says investigations are on the right track in the killing of Marius van der Merwe.
Masemola met the investigating team on Monday evening before briefing the family on progress in the case.
He said, police have identified three suspects in Van Der Merwe’s murder.
“We have just met the family of Van der Merwe, to brief them on how far investigations are into this murder. We have confirmed to the family that we do believe that we have found one of the vehicles that were used during the shooting. Apparently, there were two vehicles used, a sedan and a white Chevrolet bakkie.”
The white bakkie was found abandoned behind a mall in Alexandra on Friday. Earlier video footage showed it appearing to monitor Van der Merwe’s house.
“At this stage, we do believe that the bakkie that was abandoned in Alexandra township is the right one that did some observation at Van der Merwe’s home. According to our crime scene experts, they will do investigations on the vehicle,” said Masemola.
As to the motive of the murder, he said, “We do not want to speculate, but we don’t rule out what is happening at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. But also, we don’t say that might be solely the motive; there are various other angles to the case that might be linked to the motive.”
Van der Merwe, who ran a security company, was involved in the battle against illegal miners, on the East Rand, which has also been suggested as a possible motive for his murder.
Van der Merwe testified as “Witness D” at the Madlanga Commission into the alleged criminal infiltration of law enforcement and political circles. He implicated suspended EMPD deputy police chief Julius Mkhwanazi while testifying anonymously, although his voice was broadcast.
Masemola said, “We are confident that soon we will register a breakthrough as police remain on high alert for those behind the killing of Van Der Merwe. Safe to say, investigations are on the right track.
“The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure, together with the Madlanga Commission, has met and developed a plan to heighten and enhance security around officials and witnesses linked to the commission.”
Masemola also revealed that three persons of interest had been identified, and another one had been interviewed in connection with the massacre that took place in the early hours of 6 December at a tavern in Saulsville, Tshwane.
Twelve people were killed — including three children, aged three, 12 and 16 — and 13 other people were wounded when gunmen opened fire on the occupants of the tavern.