Accused in killing of Madlanga Commission witness: 'I fully deny the allegations'

The man accused of murdering a witness who testified at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has lashed out in court, strongly denying that he committed the crime.
 
On Wednesday, Matiphandile Sotheni appeared for the second time in the Brakpan Magistrates Court in connection with the fatal shooting of Marius van der Merwe, also known as Witness D.
 
It’s alleged that Sotheni, a former member of the South African Police Service (SAPS)’ Special Task Force, shot van der Merwe outside his home in Brakpan in December.
 
Although his bail application has been postponed to 14 May 2026, Sotheni told the court that he has been arrested for a crime he did not commit.

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A visibly agitated Sotheni appeared in court dressed in a black suit and a flashy wristwatch.
 
Seated behind him were members of van der Merwe’s family, some of whom became emotional as Sotheni entered the courtroom.
 
Moments after the defence and prosecution agreed that the matter would return to court in May for a formal bail application, Sotheni lashed out in anger.
 
Although the magistrate did not grant him permission to address the court, he insisted that he did not commit the crime.
 
“I fully deny the allegations that were levelled against me. I had nothing to do with this crime!”

He added that he was not happy with the decision to move his bail application to May.