Mzansi actress and podcaster Tebogo Thobejane has reached out to President Cyril Ramaphosa with a deeply emotional letter, urging for greater protection for witnesses following the tragic murder of Marius van der Merwe, also known as Witness D. Her poignant message comes amidst escalating fears surrounding witness safety in South Africa.
The former Muvhango star, currently living abroad after surviving an assassination attempt in 2023, penned this letter on December 16, 2025—her birthday—while grappling with the pain of being away from her family.
Van der Merwe was killed outside his home shortly after giving testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, where he exposed allegations of corruption and police misconduct. His assassination has left the nation stunned, amplifying the trepidation among those willing to speak out against crime.
A Call for Action
In her powerful letter, Tebogo expressed her profound fear for her life as a potential state witness in the attempted murder case involving her ex-boyfriend, Vusi 'Cat' Matlala. She criticized the government's inaction on previous pleas, emphasizing the normalization of fear among citizens.
In a courageous statement, she wrote:
"Mr President, I know this letter will make people uncomfortable, but discomfort is nothing compared to what many of us are living with."
Tebogo lamented the ongoing pattern of targeted killings of witnesses, mentioning her own precarious situation.
"I want to come home. Many of us do, but we cannot return to a place where safety feels optional."
She harshly critiqued the system's failure to protect its citizens:
"I've written to you before, more than once, and I have not received a response... It's about administration, accountability, and protection."
Tebogo boldly questioned the government’s leadership in her letter, asking:
"Mr President, what must happen before decisive action is taken? When does concern become intervention?"
Background on Tebogo's Ongoing Struggles
Tebogo's fears stem from her testimony against Matlala and others involved in serious criminal activities such as money laundering and attempted murder. Her previous rejection of state witness protection reflects her profound distrust in a system she feels is compromised.
Expressing her grief over Witness D's death, Tebogo has described the justice system as "broken" on social media, echoing sentiments felt by many.
Looking Ahead: Growth in 2026
In a recent update, Tebogo shared her intentions for 2026, emphasizing personal growth and boundaries. She urged her followers to respect her privacy, especially in light of the ongoing legal issues surrounding her ex, Matlala.
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