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Ex-Cop Faces Court Over Witness D Murder Case
13 Apr
Summary
- Former officer Sotheni accused in Witness D's death.
- Van der Merwe testified at Madlanga Commission.
- Sotheni faces murder and conspiracy charges.
Matipandile Sotheni, a former police officer, is scheduled to appear in Brakpan Magistrate's Court on Monday. The court appearance will address procedural matters, including the continuation of Sotheni's bail application. Sotheni is accused of murdering Marius van der Merwe, formerly known as Witness D.
Van der Merwe, an ex-Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department official, was fatally shot outside his home in December 2025. At the time of his death, he had provided testimony to the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, alleging corruption and a murder cover-up involving senior police officials.
Sotheni was apprehended in March by a specialized task team investigating criminal cases connected to the commission's proceedings. He is currently facing charges of murder and conspiracy to commit murder, with authorities indicating that additional arrests may occur.
