The South African Police Service (SAPS) has launched a manhunt for the suspects who shot and killed "Witness D", who had testified at the Madlanga Commission.
The National Commissioner of SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, will meet and brief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga on investigations into the murder of Witness D. Madlanga is the chair of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System.
Masemola will utilise the opportunity to also discuss efforts to improve and enhance safety and security measures for all role-players at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
At the crime scene outside the home of Witness D, where he was fatally shot, various units of the SAPS, including Ballistics and crime scene experts, Crime Intelligence officers and members of the Serious and Violent Crime Unit, worked until the early hours of this morning, combing the scene for available material evidence.
“Police can thus confirm that evidence gathered at the scene confirms an AK47 automatic rifle was used in the commission of the crime.
“According to a preliminary investigation, Witness D arrived at his home just after 20:30 with his wife and as he was about to open the gate, he was shot and sustained wounds to his upper body.
“He was certified dead at the scene. His wife, who was a passenger in the car, escaped unharmed and it should be noted that nothing was taken from Witness D, seeing that his firearm, cell phone and wallet were still in his possession,” the police said.
A case of murder has been registered and police have launched a manhunt for the hit orderer and the hitmen who shot and killed Witness D. Police are also looking for the murder weapon.
Masemola has also ordered the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) co-chair, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, to urgently convene a NATJOINTS meeting over the weekend to discuss and look at ways of improving the safety and security of commission officials, as well as all witnesses. – SAnews.gov.za
