-
Matipandile Sotheni, who is accused of killing whistle-blower Marius van der Merwe.
The Brakpan Magistrate’s Court is expected to deliver judgment in the bail application of Matipandile Sotheni on Monday.
Sotheni is accused of killing Marius van der Merwe, also known as Witness D at the Madlanga Commission.
Sotheni, a former South African Police Service (SAPS) Special Task Force (STF) member, now faces 16 charges linked to the murder and related offences.
The State has opposed his release, arguing that he poses a flight risk and could interfere with witnesses if granted bail.
During bail proceedings, Sotheni denied any involvement in Van der Merwe’s murder and told the court through his legal team that he intends to stand trial to prove his innocence.
His lawyer argued that Van der Merwe’s testimony before the Madlanga Commission did not implicate Sotheni in any wrongdoing and therefore there was no apparent motive for him to have orchestrated or participated in the killing.
The State, however, argued that Sotheni’s alleged close links to the late Wiandre Pretorius and other evidence gathered during the investigation place him at the centre of a broader conspiracy surrounding the murder. -Reporting by Culvin Mabasa
VIDEO | Proceedings of Matipandile Sotheni’s previous court appearance:
