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Matipandile Sotheni, who is accused of killing whistle-blower Marius van der Merwe
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Gauteng is expected to add more charges against the man accused of killing whistle-blower Marius van der Merwe, also known as Witness D.
Matipandile Sotheni appeared briefly in the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court on Friday, and the matter was referred to the Regional Court for a bail application.
The former SAPS Special Task Force member is facing charges of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, and unlawful possession of ammunition.
Van der Merwe, known as Witness D at the Madlanga Commission, was killed as he entered his home in Brakpan in December 2025, after testifying about corruption at the commission.
The NPA’s Lumka Mahanjana says the matter has been postponed to the 18th of May 2026 for his bail application
“Due to administration issues with relations to the court that were outside everybody’s control, the matter had to then be postponed to the 18th of May for his bail application. The state, together with the defence and everybody involved, was ready to proceed with his bail application today; however, we could not proceed. The matter was then postponed to the 18th, 21st, and 22 of May. When he appears again, there’s a likelihood that more charges will be added. We do have prima facie evidence against the accused, and we believe that the accused has a case to answer to”, she said.
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