Former Special Task Force member in court over Witness D murder

Arrest raises troubling questions for South Africa’s elite units

The South African Police Service (SAPS) is facing an uncomfortable reality: one of its former elite operatives now stands accused of murder.

Matipandile Sotheni, 41, appeared in court this week charged with conspiracy to commit murder, premeditated murder, three counts of attempted murder, and unlawful possession of ammunition. He is accused of killing Marius van der Merwe, known as Witness D after the whistleblower testified at the Madlanga Commission in November 2025.

The case has reignited debate over police integrity, witness protection, and the recruitment of highly trained tactical operators into private security or illicit operations.

Alleged plot following commission testimony

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Sotheni allegedly carried out meticulous surveillance on van der Merwe following his testimony on a murder investigation in Brakpan.

On 5 December 2025, investigators allege, Sotheni waited near the witness’s residence. When van der Merwe arrived home with his wife and two young children, Sotheni allegedly opened fire, killing him instantly.

Police confirmed the arrest came after a task team dedicated to commission-related cases traced evidence linking Sotheni to the killing. He remains in custody until his bail application on 25 March.

From elite training to private sector concerns

National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe described the arrest as “an unfortunate day” for SAPS.

Sotheni joined the force in 2005, becoming a member of the Special Task Force (STF) in 2010 the SAPS’ most highly trained tactical unit. Each STF member costs over R1 million to train, underscoring the seriousness of a former operative allegedly being involved in such a crime.

Mathe also expressed concern over the trend of tactical operators moving into private employment. “It’s unfortunate that highly trained operators are targeted by wealthy individuals and companies, only to later become involved in heinous crimes,” she said.

Family reaction: a familiar face

Outside the Brakpan court, Witness D’s sister, Natasha van der Merwe, spoke candidly about her grief.

“My brother would have never gotten out of the car if he didn’t know the suspect,” she said, adding that the family remains traumatised by his sudden death.

Calls for stronger oversight and witness protection

The arrest has sparked broader questions about integrity management in specialised units. Ian Cameron, chair of the parliamentary portfolio committee on police, highlighted a pattern: trained operatives from elite units or even the South African National Defence Force are sometimes recruited by criminal networks.

“While many serve with honour, these incidents show that integrity management from the outset is critical,” Cameron said, referencing previous controversies involving ex-Special Task Force members and private security work.

AfriForum’s community safety chief spokesperson, Jacques Broodryk, emphasised the urgent need for witness protection. “People willing to testify under dangerous circumstances should receive 24-hour protection. The system currently fails those risking everything to expose corruption,” he said.

A case under close watch

Sotheni’s court appearance is more than a single criminal trial. It is a test of South Africa’s ability to hold even the most elite former officers accountable and to protect the brave citizens willing to stand up against corruption.

As the investigation continues, many in Gauteng and beyond are watching closely, both for justice for Witness D and for the broader implications on police trust and witness security in the country.