By Palesa Matlala
- Former special task force officer Matipandile Sotheni told the Brakpan Magistrate Court he did not kill witness Marius van der Merwe and rejects all charges.
- The state says it has enough evidence to prosecute Sotheni, who faces charges including murder, attempted murder and illegal possession of a firearm.
Matipandile Sotheni, a former member of the South African Police Service Special Task Force, has denied killing Marius van der Merwe.
Sotheni, 44, appeared tense as he stood in the Brakpan Magistrate Court wearing a black suit and a wristwatch. Members of the Van der Merwe family sat in court and struggled to hold back tears as he entered.
The court agreed to postpone the case to May for a formal bail hearing. But Sotheni reacted with anger and spoke out in court.
“I did not commit the crime,” he said.
“I fully deny the allegations that were levelled against me. I had nothing to do with this crime.”
He also complained about the delay in his bail application and said he did not know the lawyer who appeared for him.
“I want to assist the court, your worship, in the interest of justice and the allegations that were levelled against me, I deny them fully,” he said.
“I wish to state under oath… the lawyer here is the first time I see him today.”
Sotheni faces serious charges. These include murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
The National Prosecuting Authority said it is ready to move ahead with the case. Spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said the state only brings cases when there is evidence.
She said the accused must answer the charges in court and that choosing a lawyer is his own responsibility.
Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said Sotheni left the special task force in 2019. She said it costs about R1-million to train one member.
Mathe said van der Merwe was followed by suspects in a Suzuki Swift. He was with his wife and two children when he was shot once and killed.
The case will return to court on 14 May 2026.
Pictured above: Former South African Police Service Special Task Force member Matiphandile Sotheni.
Image source: Palesa Matlala
