Former SAPS Special Task Force officer Matipandile Sotheni has denied any role in the murder of Marius van der Merwe, the man known publicly as “Witness D”. He made his second appearance in the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 25 March 2026.

Sotheni Denies the Charges

The 41-year-old is accused of killing Van der Merwe at his Brakpan home on 5 December 2025 in front of his family. He faces charges including conspiracy to commit murder, premeditated murder, three counts of attempted murder and unlawful possession of ammunition.

During proceedings, tensions rose when Sotheni tried to speak directly to the court and denied any involvement in the killing. He also complained about his legal representation and said the lawyer in court had not been instructed by him.

Sotheni told the court he wanted the matter to move forward because his name had already been damaged publicly. He said he was ready to give his version of events and insisted he did not commit the crime.

Bail Application Set for May

The case was postponed to 14 May 2026 for a formal bail application. After leaving the dock, Sotheni again told reporters he was innocent and said the case was affecting his family life, including his responsibilities as a father of three.

Police previously identified three suspects in Van der Merwe’s murder. According to the report, Sotheni is alleged to have been the gunman in the attack. Another suspect, Wiandre Pretorius, who was believed to have driven the vehicle used in the shooting, died by suicide on 7 February 2026. Sotheni was later arrested on 14 March 2026.

Why Witness D Mattered

Van der Merwe was a key figure in the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, where he testified under the alias “Witness D”. His testimony linked several people to the alleged torture and killing of Emmanuel Mbhense.

According to his evidence, Van der Merwe said he was instructed in April 2022 by Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi to dispose of Mbhense’s body. Mbhense was allegedly assaulted and killed by a group that included law enforcement officers and private security personnel before his body was dumped in a lake in Germiston.

The wider Mbhense investigation initially identified 12 persons of interest. That number has since dropped after several deaths. Eight suspects linked to the case are still alive while investigations continue.