Brakpan: The man accused of murdering a Madlanga Commission witness has appeared in the Brakpan Magistrates' Court. Matipandile Sotheni faced charges of conspiracy to commit murder, premeditated murder, three counts of attempted murder, and unlawful possession of ammunition related to the murder of 'Witness D', Marius Van der Merwe.
According to South African Government News Agency, Van der Merwe had testified at the Madlanga Commission in November last year concerning a murder investigation in Brakpan. It is alleged that following his testimony, Sotheni conspired to kill Van der Merwe and conducted surveillance on him.
The allegations further state that on December 5, 2025, Sotheni positioned himself near Van der Merwe's residence. When Van der Merwe arrived home with his wife and two minor children, it is claimed that Sotheni shot him, resulting in Van der Merwe being declared dead at the scene, as reported by National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana.
Sotheni was apprehended following investigations by the Madlanga Task Team, which was established to investigate cases arising from the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. Mahanjana stated that Sotheni was arrested on March 14, 2026, and remains in custody. The court has postponed the matter to March 25 for an opposed bail application.