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Former Special Task Force member Sotheni returns to court on murder charges

Published

Matipandile Sotheni is due in the Brakpan Magistrate's Court on Monday on sixteen charges, including conspiracy to commit murder. Prosecutors are expected to update the court on cellphone mapping and device analysis in the killing of Marius van der Merwe.

Van der Merwe was known as Witness D at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. He was killed in a drive-by shooting outside his Brakpan home. Sotheni is a former South African Police Service Special Task Force member.

The state said three cellphones were found on a catwalk behind Sotheni's cell during a search at the correctional facility. It alleged that one of the phones was linked directly to him. The state also said preliminary investigations suggest he had communicated with someone outside the facility.

The state asked the court for more time to finish its investigation.

Key facts

Who
Matipandile Sotheni (Former SAPS Special Task Force member accused of murder and related charges); Marius van der Merwe (Known as Witness D at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry; killed in a drive-by…); South African Police Service (Sotheni's former employer)
What
Sotheni, a former South African Police Service Special Task Force member, is due in the Brakpan Magistrate's Court on Monday facing sixteen charges, including murder and conspiracy to commit murder, linked to the killing of Marius van der Merwe, known as Witness D at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. Prosecutors are expected to update the court on the investigation, including forensic…
When
2 November 2026
Where
Brakpan
Status
Reported

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