Tebogo Thobejane's emotional response to the murder of witness Marius van der Merwe

Former "Muvhango" star Tebogo Thobejane has condemned the killing of Madlanga Commission witness Marius van der Merwe, who was shot on Friday, December 5, in Brakpan.

The witness’s death comes after he testified before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry last month, where he implicated the suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) Deputy Chief, Julius Mkhwanazi.

The commission is probing allegations of police interference and corruption within law enforcement structures.

Thobejane used a series of Instagram stories, which have since been deleted, to speak about the death of witness D.

She questioned the state of South Africa’s justice system, saying the country continues to invest millions in the Madlanga Commission while witnesses remain exposed.

“My heart is broken. There are so many flaws in this system that it has become painful to watch. Millions are being poured into commissions while the people who have suffered under these criminals are left unprotected. Witness D’s death showed us everything we needed to know,” Thobejane said.

Thobejane herself survived an assassination attempt in 2023. The social media star was shot in Sandton and sustained a gunshot wound on her foot after she was attacked by three men on the N1 highway.

Thobejane’s ex-boyfriend, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, was linked to an alleged assassination attempt against her. However, Matlala has denied any involvement in this tragic incident.

Matlala is also facing allegations of police infiltration, money laundering and corruption within the justice system.

Thobejane added that Witness D’s murder was further proof that the system does not prioritise people on the ground. 

“The justice system does not care about ordinary citizens. Those inside the commission sit behind protected walls. We are the ones who bleed, bury, and fear for our lives. And somehow, we are told to stay calm and stop ‘venting'," she wrote.

She expressed gratitude for the protection she had received from her friends, stating that without their support, she would likely have fallen victim to threats against her life. 

“I am lucky because I have friends around the world who make sure I am safe. If it wasn’t for my network, I would be dead. And even with all that support, they are still trying to scare me. This is how broken the system is. And it must be spoken about,” she said.

Thobejane has also expressed her condolences to the family of van der Merwe.

“RIP in peace, Marius. I didn’t know you, but today I am not okay. I am sorry to your children and wife,” she said.