The case against former South African Police Service Special Task Force member Matiphandile Sotheni has been postponed to May 14 for a formal bail application.
Sotheni appeared in the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court in connection with the murder of Marius van der Merwe, who was killed in a drive-by shooting in December 2025. Van der Merwe was a key witness at the Madlanga Commission.
He faces multiple charges, including murder, conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, and illegal possession of ammunition, all of which he has denied.
The postponement follows the withdrawal of his previous lawyer due to irreconcilable differences, with a new legal representative expected to take over. Sotheni has also raised concerns about his legal representation and continues to maintain his innocence.
The case has drawn significant attention due to Sotheni’s background as a former elite police officer and its implications for law enforcement integrity.
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