News24 The Lead

‘Vlam’ extinguished - why was crimefighter Marius van der Merwe killed?

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Nicknamed “vlam”, or flame in English, 41-year-old Brakpan crimefighter Marius van der Merwe was shot and killed last Friday at his home. It’s mere weeks after he, as Witness D at the Madlanga Commission, detailed an alleged 2022 murder cover-up involving deputy Ekurhuleni top metro cop, Julius Mkhwanazi. And it follows Van Der Merwe’s private security efforts to fight illegal mining on Gauteng’s East Rand this year. Investigative journalist Jeff Wicks brings us up to speed on these developments. Later, in our trending topic, how much would you pay for a 1995 Springbok players’ medal gifted by the late Nelson Mandela? Finally, the Little Foot Sterkfontein skeleton was unearthed On This Day in SA History. You can send our host, broadcast journalist Graeme Raubenheimer, a voice note with your questions or thoughts on the show: 072 562 3179. To advertise in the show: thelead@24.com. Full editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.
Chapters
  • 00:01 Graeme's intro
  • 01:55 Crossing to Jeff Wicks on Vlam's murder
  • 09:33 Suspects at large
  • 15:50 Trending topic: Rare Boks medal up for auction
  • 16:54 AD: Listen Up!
  • 17:48 On This Day in SA History: Little Foot
8 Dec 2025 English South Africa News · Society & Culture

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