Police have described the alleged shooter of Witness D as a lethal person who was hired to do a “clean job”.
Matipandile Sotheni was arrested on Saturday as the alleged killer of Marius van der Merwe, who appeared at the Madlanga Commission as Witness D.
National police spokesperson, Brig Athlenda Mathe, describes today as an unfortunate day as ex-SAPS task force member, Sotheni Matipandile, appears in court in connection with the murder of Witness D, Marius van der Merwe.
— Sowetan (@Sowetan1981) March 16, 2026
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On Monday Sotheni made an appearance at Brakpan magistrate’s court where he is facing six charges, including murder, three charges of attempted murder and possession of unlawful ammunition.
The matter was postponed to March 25 2025 for a formal bail application.
Speaking outside court, Police spokesperson Brig Athlenda Mathe expressed disappointment that the person arrested is a former SAPS elite member, who left the force in 2019.
"Justice is definitely when they catch ... the people involved [and are] linked to the hits... We know it is not just a hit. It [orders] comes from higher places." - Witness D's sister Natasha van der Merwe.
— Sowetan (@Sowetan1981) March 16, 2026
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“If you look into his background in the police he was a marksman, he is close to a sniper because of his skills. He is highly trained and they knew that if they hired him he would do a clean job,” she said.
Sowetan
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