The South African Community of Faith-Based Fraternals & Federations and Voice to Parliament have added their voices to those calling for swift action following the assassination of whistleblower Marius van der Merwe who was gunned down outside his home shortly after testifying before the Madlanga Commission.
Van der Merwe, who was known publicly as witness D “stood for truth in a climate of fear and intimidation. He sought to expose the alleged involvement of senior state and police roleplayers in the torture and murder of a Zama Zama miner who was allegedly buried alive — an act of unspeakable cruelty. Before he could present these allegations publicly, his life was taken. His silence was forced through violence. His courage must not be forgotten,” says SACOFF in a statement from the office of its president Pastor Bert Pretorius.
SACOFF leadership visited the slain whistleblower’s home in Brenthurst, Brakpan on Saturday – the day after his murder. “ We stood beside candles and flowers laid against the boundary wall of his house — quiet symbols of remembrance but also loud warnings to the nation. These flames must not die out. They must ignite within every South African a renewed commitment to protect the brave who speak up,” says SACOFF.
“ This kind of brutality sends a cold warning across the country — to every witness, every truth-teller, every South African who still believes that integrity is worth defending. It shows the panic of those who fear the light of accountability, and the terrifying measures they are willing to take to keep truth hidden beneath fear, silence, and blood. It is nothing less than an attack on justice itself — on constitutional order, on our democracy, and on the moral foundation that holds a nation together.
“Whistleblowers are not the enemy — they are the light. To kill them is to plunge the nation into darkness,” says the SACOFF statement.
- Advertisement -
“In recent weeks, testimony before the Madlanga Commission has revealed a disturbing reality — policing structures under strain, investigative work manipulated or obstructed, and criminal networks seemingly sheltered from consequence. Unless swift, decisive action is taken, those who dare to tell the truth may be silenced before their voices are ever heard by the people they seek to protect,” says SACOFF.
It notes that the commission charged with exposing corruption has suffered a grave failure: “It could not protect its own witness. One life lost is one too many. If witnesses are silenced by fear and violence, South Africa cannot rebuild, reform, or restore public trust.”
Van der Merwe’ death, brings the number of whistle-blowers murdered in recent years rises to over twenty-four, says SACOFF, listing the following people “who belived that truth is worth defending?: Mpho Mafole; Bouwer van Niekerk; Simnikiwe Mapini; Sarel May; Luzuko Ntlabezo; Tracy Brown; Andries Mgoqi;
David Khanda; Babita Deokaran; Cloete Murray; Thomas Murray; Charl Kinnear; Ayob Mungalee; Zanele Nkosi; Loyiso Nkohla; Frans Mathipa; Valtyn Kekana; Ralph Kanyane; Moss Phakoe; Thokwe Elias Mfikoe; Armand Swart; Marius van der Merwe.
The federation calls for:
- Urgent state protection for whistle-blowers and witnesses. Not symbolic protection—functional, armed, rapid, and guaranteed.
- A national inquiry into the killings of all whistleblowers. No case must be allowed to fade into the archives of forgotten injustice.
- The arrest and prosecution of every individual behind these assassinations. From triggermen to masterminds—no rank, title, or uniform must shield the guilty.
- Legislative reform to secure whistleblower integrity and anonymity. South Africa needs laws strong enough to protect the brave and expose the corrupt.
Former ACDP MP and founder of Voice to Parliament (VTP) Marie Sukers released a statement yesterday, saying Van der Merwe’s identity had been inadequately protected and that he had become the latest in a “long list of whistleblowers outed to criminals, who was not hidden well enough nor received sufficient state safeguarding”.
“The VTP calls on the President to issue a presidential proclamation mandating all commissions of enquiry to provide secure safehousing and protection protocols for whistleblowers; convene SAPS, SSA, and the Department of Justice to coordinate rapid response units for whistleblower protection and fund and establish secure, undisclosed safehouses managed independently from local police structures to prevent leaks and intimidation.”
She urged MPs to “urgently domesticate the UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) provisions on whistleblower protection, ensuring compliance with global norms”.
“They need to signal political will by creating a statutory body with powers to provide safehousing, legal aid, and psychosocial support to whistleblowers. Government departments and law enforcement agencies must be scrutinised on their handling of whistleblower cases, ensuring accountability.
“Funds must be ringfenced within parliamentary appropriations for whistleblower protection, including emergency relocation and security measures.
“Awards or financial rewards aligning with international best practice, must be awarded to whistleblowers who contribute to uncovering corruption, thereby encouraging disclosures and reducing fear.
“We have to urgently take the necessary actions to strengthen and protect the lives of people who are coming forward to testify against the crime networks that undermine the rule of law, and the efforts to rebuild our institutions.
“We call on the Presidency to show commitment to the fight and prove, through deeds not words, that it prioritises justice, accountability, and protection of those who stand up against wrongdoing , and by giving the necessary acknowledgment and support to the families who have lost breadwinners, and loved ones in this fight.
“There are moments that shape a nation irrevocably, there are choices that define the lives of individuals, families, and communities. Marius van der Merwe and Babita Doekeran knowing the possibility of assassination, chose to be brave, Coen and Thomas Murray chose to be brave.
“What choices are we making to honour their memory?We wish to extend our sincere condolences to the family of Marius van der Merwe, Witness D who provided a compelling account of the challenges faced by ordinary law enforcement officers at the coal face for the battle of the soul of this nation.
“We honour his memory, and thank God for his service. Hamba Kahle, son of the soil. May your memory be a blessing.”
Please help us to keep on publishing news that brings Hope in Jesus:
>> Donate >> Become a Super Subscriber
VISIT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/gatewaynews100
COMMENTING GUIDELINES
You are welcome to engage with our articles by making comments [in the Comments area below] that add value to a topic or to engage in thoughtful, constructive discussion with fellow readers. Comments that contain vulgar language will be removed. Hostile, demeaning, disrespectful, propagandistic and off-topic comments may also be moved. This is a Christian website and if you wish to vent against Christian beliefs you have probably come to the wrong place and your comments may be removed. Ongoing debates and repetitiveness will not be tolerated. You will also disqualify yourself from commenting if you engage in trolling.
