Conflicting accounts emerge as ex-cop Matipandile Sotheni seeks bail in Witness D murder

Conflicting accounts emerge as ex-cop Matipandile Sotheni seeks bail in Witness D murder

Sharply opposing versions of events emerged in the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 18 May, as former elite police officer Matipandile Sotheni applied for bail in connection with the murder of Marius van der Merwe, also known as “Witness D”. Sotheni, a former member of the Special Task Force (STF) within the South African Police Service (Saps), is facing a string of serious charges. The 16 charges include murder, conspiracy to commit murder…

Witness D murder-accused Sotheni to carry on his bail application on Thursday

By Johnathan Paoli The bail application of former SAPS Special Task Force member Matipandile Sotheni, who is accused of murdering Madlanga Commission whistle-blower Marius “Vlam” van der Merwe, has been rolled over to Thursday for the defence to complete its arguments. Appearing at the Brakpan Regional Court on Monday, Sotheni faces 16 charges, including premeditated murder, conspiracy to commit murder, three counts of attempted murder, unlawful…

'I can afford R30 000 bail' - Court hears Sotheni's freedom bid

'I can afford R30 000 bail' - Court hears Sotheni's freedom bid Zandile.Khumalo Mon, 05/18/2026 - 16:36 BRAKPAN - The man accused of killing whistleblower Marius van der Merwe, also known as Witness D, is back in the dock. Matiphandile Sotheni, who faces charges of conspiracy to commit murder, murder, and attempted murder, returned to the Brakpan Magistrate's Court on Monday as he seeks bail.READ | Alleged triggerman in Witness D murder back in…