The Democratic Alliance (DA) and the South African Communist Party (SACP) have demanded urgent action on whistleblower protection, following the assassination of Marius “Vlam” van der Merwe, known as Witness D at the Madlanga Commission.

Van der Merwe was shot multiple times outside his Brakpan home on Friday evening, shortly after testifying before the Madlanga Commission.

The SACP strongly condemned the targeting of individuals who come forward to assist the Commission.

“…this attack is not only a crime against an individual but a direct assault on justice, accountability, and the rule of law,” it said.

The party reiterated its “unwavering support” for the Madlanga Commission and called on communities to organise against crime and corruption.

The SACP said it demanded justice and closure for the Van der Merwe family.

“We further call upon the State to strengthen witness protection mechanisms and ensure that the Commission is fully empowered to uncover the truth without fear or favour,” it said.

DA spokesperson on Justice and Constitutional Development advocate Glynnis Breytenbach blamed the African National Congress (ANC) government for delaying the protection of whistleblowers.

“They have twiddled their thumbs while one whistleblower after another is assassinated. It has been more than two years since government published a discussion document on reforming whistleblower protections. Still, there is no Bill before Parliament,” she stated.

She claimed that government knew “precisely” what was wrong with the current system, and knew how to fix it.

“Yet nothing has been tabled,” she added.

In February, President Cyril Ramaphosa promised the Bill would be introduced this financial year. Over the weekend, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi repeated the same promise.

The DA said it intended to hold her accountable on her promise.

Breytenbach lashed out at Kubayi, who said Van der Merwe had declined protection, implying that media transparency contributed to his murder.

She said this was an “outrageous and disgraceful” attempt to blame the victim.

“Van der Merwe was not murdered because he ran a private security company. He was not murdered because the media sought transparency. He was murdered because he exposed corruption – and because criminals know they can act with impunity under Minister Kubayi’s watch,” she said.

Meanwhile, the DA is finalising its own comprehensive Bill to strengthen protections, expand safeguarding capacity, and ensure whistleblowers can come forward without fear.

“We will not wait for the ANC to act,” it said.

Ramaphosa said while the country’s law enforcement agencies established the circumstances leading to Van der Merwe’s death, he expressed sadness over the event.

“Amid this trauma we must remain resolute to end corruption and bring to justice those who have done wrong and are plotting to do more,” he said.

He urged law enforcement agencies to undertake a thorough investigation and to ensure that the perpetrators faced justice.

“As government, we will redouble our efforts to protect whistleblowers, including witnesses before the Madlanga Commission and the Commission itself, as they serve the nation with bravery in the face of criminal threats,” he assured.