Who is The Former SAPS Task Force Member in Court for Witness D Murder | Matipandile Sotheni

Описание: The investigation into the assassination of Marius van der Merwe has taken another dramatic turn after the man accused of carrying out the hit appeared in court.

Matipandile Sotheni, a former member of the elite South African Police Service Special Task Force, appeared at the Brakpan Magistrate's Court on 16 March 2026.

Sotheni is accused of fatally shooting van der Merwe outside his home in Brakpan on 5 December 2025, just days after he testified at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.

Social media began buzzing shortly after the accused’s name was released in court. A video has also resurfaced online showing a man believed to be Sotheni holding a firearm at Sandton City Mall in a previous incident.

According to authorities, the firearm allegedly used in the killing has still not been recovered.

Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe confirmed that Sotheni currently faces charges including:

Murder

Conspiracy to commit murder

Attempted murder

Reports also suggest that the accused worked as a personal protector for a wealthy tobacco industry businessman.

The case has been postponed to 25 March for a formal bail application as investigators continue their probe.

With the gun still missing and more suspects potentially involved, many questions remain unanswered in the killing of Witness D.

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