Former South African Police Service (SAPS) Special Task Force member Matipandile Sotheni is expected to appear in the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday as the murder case linked to Madlanga Commission witness Marius “Vlam” van der Merwe returns to court.
Sotheni was arrested in Johannesburg in March 2026 by a multidisciplinary law enforcement team following an investigation into Van der Merwe’s murder. Authorities also seized a vehicle allegedly used during the fatal shooting.
The 41-year-old faces charges including premeditated murder, conspiracy to commit murder, three counts of attempted murder and unlawful possession of ammunition.
The charges stem from the fatal shooting of Van der Merwe outside his Brakpan home in December 2025. Van der Merwe, who testified before the Madlanga Commission as Witness D, was shot as he arrived home with his wife and two children. He died at the scene, while his family escaped unharmed.
During previous court proceedings, Sotheni was denied bail after the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court ruled that he posed a flight risk.
His appearance forms part of the ongoing prosecution as the State continues to pursue the high-profile case, which has drawn significant attention due to the victim’s role as a witness before the Madlanga Commission.
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