The man accused of killing a key witness in the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has denied any involvement in the crime during a tense court appearance.
Matiphandile Sotheni appeared in the Brakpan Magistrates Court on Wednesday in connection with the fatal shooting of Marius van der Merwe, also known as Witness D. The incident occurred outside the victim’s home in December.
Sotheni, a former member of the South African Police Service Special Task Force, is alleged to have carried out the shooting. However, he strongly rejected the accusations, telling the court that he had been arrested for a crime he did not commit.
The matter was postponed to 14 May 2026 for a formal bail application. Shortly after the postponement was confirmed, Sotheni became visibly agitated and addressed the court despite not being granted permission by the magistrate.
“I fully deny the allegations that were levelled against me. I had nothing to do with this crime,” he said. He also expressed frustration over the delay in his bail hearing.
Sotheni appeared in court dressed in a black suit, while members of van der Merwe’s family were present in the gallery. Some relatives became emotional as proceedings unfolded.
The case continues as investigations into the high profile killing remain ongoing.
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