Hail of bullets, high stakes: Ramaphosa intervenes after Wiandre Pretorius survives Boksburg assassination attempt
South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa
President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for urgent enhancements to South Africa’s witness protection system following a brazen assassination attempt on Wiandre Pretorius, a man linked to the high-profile Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
The President’s intervention comes after Pretorius’s vehicle was riddled with at least 16 bullets in Boksburg, Gauteng, as he was leaving his home on Thursday. The attack has sent shockwaves through political, law enforcement, and judicial circles, raising serious concerns about the safety of individuals connected to sensitive national investigations.
Ramaphosa Warns Witnesses Must Be Shielded From Exposure
Speaking on the sidelines of an engagement with SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter in Johannesburg, Ramaphosa stressed that witnesses involved in high-risk cases must be better protected, both physically and in terms of identity.
“Witnesses in high-profile cases should not be identifiable and must be better secured,” the President said.
Ramaphosa’s remarks underscore mounting pressure on the state to prevent further violence linked to the Madlanga Commission, which is probing allegations of corruption, criminal networks, and extrajudicial killings.
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Police Confirm Attempted Murder Case, 16 Bullets Recovered
Gauteng police have confirmed that a formal attempted murder case has been opened following the shooting. Forensic teams recovered at least 16 spent cartridges at the scene, pointing to a calculated and coordinated hit.
Investigators are currently analysing CCTV footage from the surrounding area. According to national police commissioner Fannie Masemola, a Chevrolet vehicle, believed to be used by the attackers, was later found abandoned in Alexandra township.
Authorities have also identified three persons of interest, who are being questioned as investigations intensify.
Who Is Wiandre Pretorius and Why Is He a Target?
Pretorius has been implicated at the Madlanga Commission in connection with the 2022 murder of Emmanuel Mbhense, a case that remains under active investigation.
He was named during testimony by Marius van der Merwe, also known as Witness D, who was himself assassinated outside his Brakpan home in December, a killing that heightened fears of systematic witness elimination.
At the commission, Van der Merwe alleged that Pretorius posed as a police officer. However, Gauteng Police Commissioner Tommy Mthombeni has since confirmed that Pretorius is not, and has never been, a member of SAPS.
Moved to Safe Location Amid Fears of Further Attacks
Following Thursday’s shooting, Pretorius has been relocated to an undisclosed safe location under police protection. The motive for the attempted assassination remains unclear, though investigators have not ruled out links to ongoing commission testimony and recent arrests.
Security analysts warn that the attack fits a disturbing pattern of targeted violence against individuals connected to the Madlanga Commission, raising urgent questions about intelligence leaks and organised criminal retaliation.
Madlanga Commission Under Growing Pressure
The attempted hit on Pretorius adds to a growing list of violent incidents linked to the commission, intensifying calls for:
- Stronger witness anonymity
- Expanded protection budgets
- Faster arrests and prosecutions
- Tighter control of sensitive testimony
Political parties and civil society organisations have echoed Ramaphosa’s concerns, warning that failure to protect witnesses could undermine the integrity of the justice system.
A Defining Test for the Rule of Law
As investigations continue, the Pretorius shooting has become a litmus test for South Africa’s ability to protect witnesses in cases involving powerful criminal interests.
With bullets narrowly missing their target, the message sent by the attackers was unmistakable, and the state’s response, critics say, will determine whether fear or justice prevails.
FAQ
Who is Wiandre Pretorius?
Wiandre Pretorius is a man implicated during testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and is under investigation in connection with the 2022 murder of Emmanuel Mbhense.
What happened to Wiandre Pretorius in Boksburg?
Pretorius survived an attempted assassination after his vehicle was shot at at least 16 times as he left his home in Boksburg.
Why is Wiandre Pretorius important to the Madlanga Commission?
He was named by the late Witness D as being involved in activities under investigation by the commission, including allegations of impersonating a police officer.
Is Wiandre Pretorius a police officer?
No. Gauteng Police Commissioner Tommy Mthombeni has confirmed that Pretorius is not a member of the South African Police Service.
What did President Ramaphosa say after the attack?
Ramaphosa called for enhanced witness protection, stressing that witnesses in high-profile cases must not be identifiable or left vulnerable.
Has anyone been arrested?
No arrests have been confirmed yet, but police have identified three persons of interest and recovered a suspected getaway vehicle.
Where is Wiandre Pretorius now?
He has been moved to a secure, undisclosed location for his safety.