Johnathan Paoli
The Brakpan Regional Court has denied bail to former Special Task Force officer Matipandile “Andy” Sotheni, finding that the interests of justice required that he remain in custody while awaiting trial for the murder of Madlanga Commission witness, Marius “Vlam” van der Merwe.
On Monday morning, the court found that State prosecutor advocate Nqobile Maphalala had presented a strong prima facie case against Sotheni and that there was a real possibility he could evade trial, interfere with witnesses or tamper with evidence if released.
Sotheni faces 16 charges, including premeditated murder, conspiracy to commit murder, three counts of attempted murder, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition-related offences.
Van der Merwe was shot dead outside his Brakpan home on 5 December 2025.
His wife and two children survived the attack.
At the time of his death, he was a protected witness linked to proceedings before the Madlanga Commission.
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