Matiphandile Sotheni, accused of murdering Madlanga Commission witness Marius van der Merwe, denied the allegations in Brakpan Magistrates Court on March 25, 2026. Van der Merwe’s family attended the hearing and showed emotion. Sotheni, a former South African Police Service Special Task Force member, faces charges over the December shooting outside van der Merwe’s Brakpan home. His bail application was postponed to May 14, 2026. This case raises questions about witness safety in the ongoing inquiry.
Sotheni made his second court appearance on Wednesday. He wore a black suit and a flashy wristwatch. He looked agitated as he entered the courtroom. Van der Merwe’s family sat behind him. Some family members became emotional.
Prosecutors and defense agreed to postpone the bail hearing. The magistrate did not allow Sotheni to speak at first. But he insisted on addressing the court. “I fully deny the allegations that were levelled against me. I had nothing to do with this crime!” Sotheni said, according to court proceedings reported by EWN Reporter. He also expressed unhappiness with the May date.
Van der Merwe testified as Witness D at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. Sotheni once served in the SAPS Special Task Force. Police link him to the fatal shooting in December.
Police are still searching for one more suspect in the murder, said Vusimuzi Matlala. See the “ALSO READ” story on Witness D’s killing.
The family’s emotional reaction shows the personal toll of the loss. Their presence in court highlighted the grief. Sotheni’s outburst pointed to his frustration with the bail delay. These moments came from courtroom observations reported by EWN.
The killing of a commission witness could affect trust in the Madlanga Inquiry. But reports stick to what was seen in court. No further details on inquiry impacts were given.
The next court date is May 14, 2026, for Sotheni’s formal bail application. Police continue hunting the second suspect, per Masemola and prosecution. Check the topic timeline for related updates.
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