By Charmaine Ndlela
The man accused of pulling the trigger in the murder of Marius van der Merwe, who testified before the Madlanga Commission as “Witness D”, denied the charges against him in the Brakpan Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
Matipandile Sotheni, 41, a former SAPS Special Task Force member, appeared in court for the second time in connection with van der Merwe’s assassination on 5 December 2025.
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Addressing the court directly about his legal representative, Sotheni said: “The lawyer here, this is the first time I see him today. He has not been given instructions by me; he did not even take my statement. I am arrested here for something I did not commit. I am being judged for something I have not done,” he said.
“Postponing this case is delaying the matter. I wish to assist the court. I am ready with my statement and to say what has happened.”
Sotheni faces charges of conspiracy to commit murder, premeditated murder, three counts of attempted murder and unlawful possession of ammunition.
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Van der Merwe, a former Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department officer and owner of a private security company, was gunned down in a drive-by shooting outside his home in Brakpan. His wife and minor children were present at the time.
His murder came just weeks after he testified at the Madlanga Commission about the alleged torture and murder of Emmanuel Mbense, and the disposal of Mbense’s body.
The matter was postponed to 14 May.