NATJOINTS, Madlanga Commission move to tighten security after witness killing

The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) has met urgently with the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry following the killing of commission witness Marius van der Merwe, agreeing to strengthen security measures for all witnesses and officials.

In a joint statement issued on Saturday, the NATJOINTS, SAPS, SANDF and State Security Agency confirmed that they convened with the Commission in Pretoria, alongside officials from the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development. The meeting took place at the NATJOINTS Operations Centre.

According to the statement, the structures agreed to “enhance the Commission’s security operational plan over the next two days” to ensure greater protection.

“While extensive measures have been put in place to secure witnesses and officials since the start of the Commission, the meeting identified a need to heighten these measures by roping in the NATJOINTS and all other relevant role players.”

Van der Merwe’s testimony, delivered partly in camera in November, detailed explosive allegations about a criminal network operating within the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality and its police department (EMPD).

He alleged that suspended acting EMPD chief Brig Julius Mkhwanazi ordered him to dispose of the body of a man who died after being assaulted by EMPD officers during an operation in Brakpan in April 2022.

Authorities have urged the public not to speculate as investigations into the killing continue.

NATJOINTS and the Madlanga Commission said they will brief the media in due course.