Two months after arrest, ex-SAPS task force member Matipandile Sotheni fights for bail in Witness D murder case

Former elite unit member returns to Brakpan court seeking bail

Two months after his arrest, Matipandile Sotheni was back in the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court this week as he fights for bail in the high-profile killing of a witness linked to the Madlanga Commission.

Charges and arrest

Sotheni, a former member of the South African Police Service Special Task Force, was arrested on 14 March 2026 and faces 16 charges, including conspiracy to commit murder, murder and attempted murder. Police allege he was the gunman in a drive-by shooting that killed EMPD officer Marius van der Merwe outside his Brakpan home on 5 December 2025.

Bail affidavit and defence claims

In court this week Sotheni’s lawyer, Nthabiseng Mohamane, submitted an affidavit setting out his personal circumstances. In the affidavit Sotheni said he had no previous convictions and offered to pay bail of up to R30,000. His lawyer told the court the State’s case was “weak” and maintained that Sotheni did not commit the alleged offences.

“The State’s case was ‘weak'”, said Sotheni’s lawyer in court.

State response and allegations

The State, however, says it has a watertight case against Sotheni and opposes bail. National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe outlined police allegations that link Sotheni to the killing and to a vehicle traced to his girlfriend.

“He would execute and eliminate Witness D on the spot because of the training that our Special Task Force members receive. They knew he was the best person for the job.” Brigadier Athlenda Mathe

Context: the Madlanga Commission and related deaths

The victim, who testified at the Madlanga Inquiry as Witness D, had given evidence in November alleging misconduct within the EMPD, and implicated a suspended deputy chief in a separate murder. Police have also said informant Wiandre Pretorius, linked to the commission, was implicated in van der Merwe’s murder. Pretorius later died by suicide at a petrol station in Brakpan. Police allege Pretorius drove the Suzuki Swift that was later traced to Sotheni’s girlfriend.

What happens next

The matter remains before the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court as Sotheni continues to pursue bail while the State presses forward with its case on the multiple charges he faces.