# The bail application of murder accused, former SAPS Special Task Force member, Matipandile Sotheni, has been postponed to 18 May 2026 in the Brakpan Regional Court. Sotheni is accused of the murder of whistleblower Marius van der Merwe, also referred to as “Witness D”, a key witness at the Madlanga Commission. Police allege Sotheni was the triggerman in a drive-by shooting that killed Van der Merwe. He faces charges of premeditated murder, conspiracy to murder, attempted murder, and illegal possession of ammunition regarding the December 2025 killing.
Sotheni bail hearing postponed to May in Murder case of Witness D