These are not isolated tragedies; they reveal a system incapable of defending the very citizens it claims to serve.

The official Witness Protection Programme (WPP), operating under the National Prosecuting Authority, is meant to safeguard witnesses. In reality, it is plagued by leaks, inefficiency, and chronic underfunding. When Van der Merwe, a key exposer of corruption and murder, was killed on Friday, it was a stark reminder that courage alone cannot guarantee safety. Babita Deokaran and others met similar fates, despite being nominally “protected” by the state.

Too often, whistleblowers are betrayed by the very institutions tasked with their safety. Phakoe’s, Mohlala’s, Deokaran’s, Phenya’s, Mafole’s, and Van der Merwe’s deaths make this brutally clear. If those willing to expose corruption cannot rely on the state, someone else must step in. Civil society organisations with a proven track record of defending accountability, such as OUTA or the IRR, have both the motivation and capability to fill this gap. Courageous individuals are the lifeblood of accountability, and their survival cannot depend on government promises alone.

These organisations could establish dedicated witness-protection units to provide operational safety for whistleblowers. Such units could offer safe houses, secure transport, personal protection, encrypted communications, threat monitoring, and psychological support. Unlike government programmes, they could act swiftly, adapt to evolving risks, and provide protection where bureaucracy and corruption leave official systems exposed.

Around the world, civil-society-led protection is already happening. In Colombia, NGOs provide relocation and support for witnesses of political violence and organised crime. In Italy, anti-mafia initiatives combine police protection with NGO networks assisting witnesses navigating daily life under threat. In Kenya, civil society intervenes in high-profile corruption cases where state mechanisms are overburdened. These examples demonstrate that non-governmental actors can save lives, even when official systems fail.

South Africa’s need is urgent. The WPP is overstretched and compromised. Witnesses willing to expose wrongdoing are dangerously vulnerable. Practical protection, safe houses, secure transport, digital safety, threat intelligence, and counseling can be organised independently by committed civil-society organisations with proper planning and funding. OUTA, the IRR, or similarly mission-driven organisations could move beyond advocacy and rhetoric to take direct responsibility for safeguarding truth-tellers.

The deaths of witnesses Mafole, Phenya, Deokaran, Mohlala and Phokoe are stark reminders that bravery alone is insufficient. Civil society must act decisively, creating operational frameworks that function even when the state cannot be trusted. Courage must be shielded: not celebrated in words but safeguarded in action.

South Africa faces a stark choice: continue exposing its bravest citizens to lethal risk, or empower civil society to step in where the state fails. Without whistleblowers, accountability collapses. Without practical protection, more lives will be lost, and impunity will thrive. The deaths of courageous individuals have already created a chilling effect. Many potential whistleblowers will hesitate to come forward, fearing for their lives. If the country’s future depends on truth-tellers surviving, organisations like OUTA and the IRR must rise to the challenge, providing the protection and support that the state has repeatedly failed to deliver.

Written by Tiego Thotse for The Daily Friend. The original article can be found here.

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Van der Merwe, who was killed on Friday, 5 December, recently testified before the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System as Witness D.

Officials from the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development also formed part of the meeting to discuss the safety and security of witnesses and officials.

The meeting, held in Pretoria at the NATJOINTS Operations Centre, agreed to enhance the Commission’s security operational plan.

“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 was shot in full view of his family outside their Brakpan home. He was a Brakpan-based security industry member and former Ekhurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department official.

Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi on Saturday said Van der Merwe was offered security but he declined the offer, saying he had his own security and he owned a security company.

“After this development, I did interacte with Advocate Khumalo, who is responsible for security at the Commission, to discuss security issues. There is a need to review security issues,” Kubayi said.

Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Van der Merwe.

The Madlanga Commission issued a statement on the passing of Van der Merwe. “The Commission has noted with profound sadness the brutal killing of one of its witnesses, Mr Marius van der Merwe. The Commission would like to acknowledge Mr Van der Merwe’s contribution towards uncovering serious allegations of criminality and corruption in the Ekhuruleni Metropolitan Municipality and Ekhuruleni Metropolitan Police Department. The Commission extends its deepest condolences to the Van der Merwe family.”

The South African Police Service has launched a manhunt for the suspects involved in the killing of Van der Merwe.

“Police can thus confirm that evidence gathered at the scene confirms an AK-47 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.

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