Gauteng police say they have not established any links between three separate shootings involving individuals connected to the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, despite growing concern over a pattern of violence. The latest incident occurred on Thursday morning in Boksburg, where Wiandre Pretorius survived an attempted assassination after gunmen fired multiple shots at his vehicle. The matter affects witnesses, implicated individuals and the broader integrity of the commission, as investigations continue amid heightened security concerns.
Police confirmed that no arrests have been made and that all three cases remain under active investigation.
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Latest Shooting in Boksburg
The most recent attack took place outside Pretorius’s home in Boksburg, where unknown suspects opened fire on his vehicle, discharging at least 16 rounds. Pretorius was not injured in the shooting.
According to police, the attackers fled the scene immediately after the shooting, and the motive remains unclear.
Pretorius had previously been mentioned in testimony before the commission by the late Marius van der Merwe, also known as Witness D, who linked him to allegations involving the death and torture of a man in Brakpan. That case forms part of the evidence examined by the commission.
A Series of Violent Incidents
The Boksburg shooting follows two earlier incidents involving individuals associated with the commission.
The known incidents include:
- November 2025: Businessman Brown Mogotsi survived an attempted assassination after his vehicle was shot at near the N3 highway on the East Rand, weeks before he was due to testify.
- December 2025: Marius van der Merwe, referred to as Witness D, was shot and killed outside his home in Brakpan.
- February 2026: Wiandre Pretorius narrowly escaped death in an ambush outside his Boksburg residence.
Despite the similarities in timing and targets, police say no direct connection has been proven.
Police Say No Evidence of Coordination
Gauteng Police Commissioner Tommy Mthombeni said investigators have not found evidence linking the three incidents.
Police are examining each case individually, focusing on ballistic evidence, witness statements, vehicle tracking, and possible financial or personal motives.
Mthombeni said investigators remain cautious about concluding while forensic and intelligence work continues.
Witness Protection Under Review
Concerns over the safety of individuals connected to the commission have intensified following the latest attack.
Mthombeni confirmed that police are working with the South African Police Service and the National Prosecuting Authority to assess the need for witness protection on a case-by-case basis.
He said that where investigators determine a credible threat exists, formal witness protection processes may be initiated in line with national protocols.
Why the Madlanga Commission Matters
The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry was established to investigate serious allegations involving corruption, criminal networks, and misconduct linked to law enforcement and other structures.
The commission relies heavily on witness testimony, documentary evidence, and cooperation from individuals with inside knowledge of alleged criminal activities.
Any intimidation or violence directed at people connected to the commission raises concerns about the integrity of the process and the willingness of witnesses to come forward.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
For Gauteng residents, the incidents highlight broader concerns around witness safety, organised crime and the rule of law. The shootings have occurred in residential areas, including Boksburg and Brakpan, underscoring the impact of high-profile investigations on community safety.
The lack of confirmed links between the attacks means police investigations remain complex and resource-intensive, with no immediate resolution in sight.
Residents may also see increased police visibility and security measures around individuals connected to sensitive investigations.
Investigations Continue Without Arrests
Police confirmed that no suspects have been arrested in connection with the attempted murder of Pretorius or the earlier incidents.
Investigators are continuing to analyse:
- Ballistic evidence from all three scenes
- CCTV footage and vehicle movement data
- Possible links through testimony timelines
- Financial and personal histories of those targeted
Authorities have not indicated how long the investigations are expected to take.
Political and Legal Attention on Witness Safety
The shootings have drawn attention at national level, with calls for strengthened witness protection mechanisms in high-profile inquiries.
Legal analysts note that South Africa’s witness protection system faces capacity challenges, particularly when multiple individuals require protection simultaneously.
Police have not confirmed whether any witnesses linked to the Madlanga Commission are currently under formal protection.
FAQ: Madlanga Commission Shootings
Have police linked the three shootings?
No. Police say no definitive links have been established.
Who was targeted in the latest attack?
Wiandre Pretorius was targeted in a shooting outside his Boksburg home.
Has anyone been arrested?
No arrests have been made in any of the three incidents.
Are witnesses being protected?
Police say witness protection is assessed individually and coordinated with prosecutors where necessary.
Is the commission continuing its work?
Yes. There has been no announcement of a suspension or delay to the commission’s proceedings.
What Happens Next
Police investigations into all three shootings remain ongoing, with no timeline provided for arrests or conclusions. Authorities say they will continue to assess security risks linked to the Madlanga Commission and engage with prosecutors where protection measures are required.
Any developments, including arrests or confirmed links between the incidents, are expected to be communicated once investigations reach a decisive stage.
