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Matipandile Sotheni, former police officer accused of killing Marius van der Merwe, aka Witness D.
The man accused of killing Marius van der Merwe, also known as Witness D at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, is expected to apply for bail in the Brakpan Regional Court, east of Johannesburg, on Monday.
Matipandile Sotheni was arrested after van der Merwe was shot dead outside his home in Brakpan in December last year. The shooting incident happened weeks after van der Merwe exposed corruption in the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department.
The man accused of murdering Marius van der Merwe, also known as Witness D at the Madlanga Commission, Matipandile Sotheni, is expected to appear before the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court today, where he is set to apply for bail. pic.twitter.com/Pp1L7rwJ7i
— SABC News (@SABCNews) May 14, 2026
Sotheni faces multiple charges, including murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, as well as unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.
The state is expected to oppose bail. The case has drawn attention due to its potential links to testimony at the Madlanga commission, highlighting broader concerns about the protection of witnesses involved in high-profile investigations.
The court is expected to consider factors such as flight risk, possible interference with witnesses, and the strength of the state’s case when deciding on bail.
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