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Former elite officer faces murder charges
Matipandile Sotheni, 41, a former member of South Africa's elite police unit, appeared in court Monday accused of fatally shooting whistleblower Marius van der Merwe in December 2025. The killing, witnessed by Van der Merwe's family, sparked nationwide outrage.
Whistleblower's testimony exposed police corruption
Van der Merwe, known as "Witness D" during the Madlanga commission, testified that police officials were involved in the torture and murder of Emmanuel Mbense, a suspected robber who died in April 2022. His revelations led to the suspension of several officers, including local police chief Julius Mkhwanazi, who denies the allegations.
The commission, launched by President Cyril Ramaphosa, followed claims that organized crime had infiltrated the government. Police Minister Senzo Mchunu was suspended amid the scandal but denies ties to criminal groups. Parliament is also investigating the allegations.
Three of 12 implicated in Mbense's death have died
Alongside Van der Merwe, three others linked to Mbense's killing have since died. Two were fatally shot, while a third, identified as Wiandre Pretorius, took his own life, according to police. Pretorius was allegedly the driver in Van der Merwe's murder.
Security tight as suspect appears in court
Sotheni, dressed in black, showed no emotion as armed officers escorted him into a packed courtroom. Van der Merwe's widow, also in black, was seen wiping away tears during the brief hearing.
Police spokesperson Brig. Athlenda Mathe stated Sotheni is accused of being the hitman, while Pretorius was the driver in the drive-by shooting. Authorities have seized the vehicle but are still searching for the AK-47 believed used in the attack.
Additional charges and next steps
Sotheni also faces charges for attempting to kill Van der Merwe's wife and children. The case was postponed to March 25 for a formal bail application.
"The person who ordered his murder was definitely someone my brother knew,"
Natasha van der Merwe, the victim's sister
