Case of accused in Witness D murder transferred to Brakpan Court

Mongezi Koko

Mongezi Koko

24 April 2026 | 14:16

Sotheni was arrested last month after police linked him to the December murder of Marius van der Merwe, widely known as "Witness D."

Case of accused in Witness D murder transferred to Brakpan Court

Matipandile Sotheni, a former SAPS Special Task Force member, appears before the Brakpan Magistrates Court on 16 March 2026 for the murder of Marius van der Merwe, who testified as Witness D before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. Picture: Katlego Jiyane/EWN

The murder case against the man accused of killing a Madlanga Commission witness has been transferred to the Brakpan Regional Court for further bail proceedings.

Matipandile Sotheni, 41, appeared in the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court on Friday following a delay in his bail application caused by an earlier change in legal representation.

READ: Former cop identified as alleged shooter of key witness in Madlanga Commission of Inquiry

Sotheni was arrested last month after police linked him to the December murder of Marius Van Der Merwe, widely known as "Witness D." The accused is a former member of the SAPS Special Task Force.

Despite the charges, Sotheni has denied the allegations and maintained his intention to clear his name.

The presiding officer confirmed the transfer of the matter to a higher court to address the application for release.

“The matter is referred to Brakpan Regional Court for Bail Application; the first date will be the 18th of May 2026. You will remain in custody.”

Sotheni will remain behind bars until his next appearance in May.

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