What happened to Wiandre Pretorius? Ex-police reservist linked to witness D Murder dies by suicide

A cloud of shock and unanswered questions hangs over Gauteng following the death of former Ekurhuleni police reservist Wiandre Pretorius, who died by apparent suicide just days after surviving a reported attempt on his life.

Pretorius, 41, was found dead at a filling station in Brakpan on Saturday night, in what police have described as a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound. The incident has triggered an official inquest, with investigators now working to piece together the final moments of a man entangled in some of the province’s most disturbing criminal cases.

According to national police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, law enforcement officers and forensic specialists were immediately dispatched to the scene after reports of the incident emerged. Authorities have since confirmed that an inquest docket has been opened to determine the full circumstances surrounding his death.

“This matter is under investigation. All relevant role players attended the scene,” Mathe said, stressing that no conclusions would be drawn prematurely.

A Death Following a Narrow Escape

Pretorius’ death comes only days after he claimed to have narrowly escaped an assassination attempt at his home in Boksburg. In that incident, unknown gunmen allegedly followed him into his driveway and opened fire on his vehicle. Police later confirmed that his bakkie was struck by at least 16 bullets, prompting the opening of an attempted murder case.

At the time, the incident raised eyebrows due to Pretorius’ troubled history and links to high-profile criminal investigations. Many questioned whether the attack was random—or connected to the serious allegations surrounding his name.

A Person of Interest in Multiple Murder Investigations

Pretorius had been identified by police as a person of interest in the murder of Marius “Vlam” van der Merwe, widely known as Witness D. Van der Merwe was gunned down in Brakpan in December, a killing that sent shockwaves through legal and policing circles.

Before his death, Van der Merwe had testified at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, where he implicated Pretorius in the killing of Emmanuel Mbhense, a case that has become emblematic of alleged police brutality and abuse of power.

Mbhense died in April 2022 after allegedly being tortured during an interrogation involving members of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department. The case sparked public outrage and intensified scrutiny of law enforcement conduct in the region.

Pretorius was reportedly among those named during commission testimony, placing him under growing investigative pressure.

Disturbing Footage Circulates Online

In the wake of Pretorius’ death, videos purportedly showing the incident began circulating widely on social media. Authorities have strongly cautioned the public against sharing graphic or sensitive content, urging respect for the deceased’s family and the integrity of the ongoing investigation.

Police have not confirmed the authenticity of the footage, nor have they commented on its contents.

Unanswered Questions and a Growing Web of Mystery

With Pretorius now dead, critical questions loom large. Investigators must now determine whether his reported suicide was influenced by fear, guilt, pressure from looming arrests, or other factors linked to the serious allegations he faced.

His death also complicates ongoing investigations into the murders of both Mbhense and Van der Merwe, potentially removing a key individual who may have held vital information.

As police continue their inquiries, the case underscores the deep and troubling intersections between crime, policing, and accountability in South Africa—raising concerns about how justice can be pursued when central figures die before answering in court.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, local mental health services or emergency support lines can provide confidential help.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who was Wiandre Pretorius?
Wiandre Pretorius was a former Ekurhuleni police reservist linked to multiple high-profile criminal investigations in Gauteng.

How did Wiandre Pretorius die?
Police say he allegedly died by suicide at a petrol station in Brakpan. An inquest has been opened.

Was Pretorius facing criminal charges?
He had not yet been formally charged but was a person of interest in at least two murder investigations.

What was the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry?
The commission investigated allegations of corruption and misconduct, where Witness D implicated Pretorius in serious crimes.

Is the investigation still ongoing?
Yes. Police are continuing investigations into Pretorius’ death and the related murder cases.