Watch| Ex-SAPS Elite Cop Denies Killing Witness D In Brakpan Murder Case

Matipandile Sotheni, a former member of the Special Task Force (STF) within the South African Police Service (SAPS), appeared in the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 25 March 2026, for the second time.

The 41-year-old faces charges including premeditated murder, conspiracy to commit murder, three counts of attempted murder, and illegal possession of ammunition over the death of Marius van der Merwe, known as “Witness D”.

Van der Merwe was fatally shot at his Brakpan residence on 5 December 2025, allegedly in front of his family. Sotheni, who left SAPS in 2019, firmly rejected any connection to the killing.

“I have nothing to do with this crime,” he told the court during a tense moment when he attempted to address the magistrate directly.

Court Tensions As SAPS Member Appears In Court

During proceedings, Sotheni challenged the presence of his assigned lawyer, saying he had never instructed him and that no statement had been taken on his behalf.

“The lawyer here, it is the first time I see him today. He has not been given instruction by me. He did not even take my statement, your Worship. I’m arrested here for something I did not commit,” he said.

Sotheni also opposed the postponement of his case, expressing his desire to clear his name immediately.

“I have not done anything here. I’m on social media. I’m everywhere. My name is painted [in a bad light]. So, postponing this case, it’s delaying the matter and I wish to assist the court. I’m ready with my statement. I’m ready to say what had happened.”

The hearing was adjourned to 14 May for a formal bail application. Exiting the courtroom, Sotheni continued to assert his innocence. “I have a lot to say. No, I’m not okay. I must take my children to school. I’ve got a lot to do. I’ve got three kids. I haven’t done this,” he said.

Where did this lawyer come from since he’s not known to Marius van der Merwe’s alleged killer, Matipandile Sotheni. What’s happening in South Africa? How did we get here? Criminals are doing as they please in South Africa! Criminals have too much rights in South Africa. pic.twitter.com/lQmOk92jaI

— Man’s NOT Barry Roux (@AdvoBarryRoux) March 25, 2026

Witness D’s Murder Linked to Previous Crimes

Van der Merwe played a key role in the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, giving testimony under the alias “Witness D”.

He implicated several individuals in the alleged torture and killing of Emmanuel Mbhense, a suspected robber, claiming in 2022 that Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi ordered him to dispose of Mbhense’s body.

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Mbhense was reportedly beaten and killed by a group including law enforcement officers and private security personnel, with his body later dumped in a Germiston lake.

Authorities initially identified 12 people as persons of interest in Mbhense’s murder, including Van der Merwe and Wiandre Pretorius. Pretorius, believed to have driven the vehicle used in Van der Merwe’s shooting, died by suicide on 7 February 2026, a month before Sotheni’s arrest on 14 March.

In total, four suspects connected to these cases, including Van der Merwe and Pretorius, have died, while eight others remain under investigation as police continue to unravel the series of linked murders.