Man Accused of Allegedly Killing of Witness D Appears in Court

Matipandile Sotheni (41) appeared at the Brakpan Magistrates’ Court on witness D murder photo supplied

By Lumka Mahanjana
NPA Regional Spokesperson

Matipandile Sotheni (41) today appeared at the Brakpan Magistrates’ Court.

He is facing a charge of conspiracy to commit murder, premeditated murder, 3 counts of attempted murder and unlawful position of ammunition .

It is alleged that after “Witness D”, Marius Van der Merwe testified at the Madlanga Commission regarding matters relating to a murder investigation in Brakpan in November 2025, the accused conspired to kill Van der Merwe and conducted surveillance on the deceased.

It is further alleged that on 05 December 2025 the accused positioned himself at the vicinity of the deceased’s residence.

When the deceased arrived home with his wife and two minor children, it is alleged that the accused shot the deceased, and he was declared dead on the scene.

After investigations by the “Madlanga Task Team” established to investigate cases emanating from the Madlanga commission of Inquiry, the accused was arrested on 14 March 2026 and is remanded in custody.

In court the matter was postponed to 25 March for an opposed bail application.