Matipandile Sotheni (41) appeared in the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court on Monday in connection with the killing of a key witness who had testified at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.

Sotheni faces charges of conspiracy to commit murder, premeditated murder, three counts of attempted murder and unlawful possession of ammunition linked to the death of Marius van der Merwe, also known as “Witness D”.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the charges stem from events that unfolded after Van der Merwe testified before the commission about matters relating to a murder investigation in Brakpan in November 2025.

NPA regional spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said the State alleges that Sotheni conspired to assassinate the witness and conducted surveillance on him following his testimony.

“It is further alleged that on 5 December 2025 the accused positioned himself in the vicinity of the deceased’s residence,” said Mahanjana.

Van der Merwe had arrived home with his wife and two minor children when the shooting occurred.

“It is alleged that the accused shot the deceased and he was declared dead on the scene,” she said.

Authorities believe the killing was carefully planned, raising concerns about witness safety in investigations linked to the commission.

Sotheni was arrested on Saturday, 14 March 2026, following what police described as a breakthrough by a specialised investigative unit.

The task team investigating cases emanating from the commission was established by National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola on the instruction of President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said investigators secured a J50 warrant of arrest after gathering what they described as overwhelming evidence linking Sotheni to the killing.

The suspect was arrested in Johannesburg.

“The vehicle believed to have been used on the day that Witness D was murdered has also been seized,” Mathe said. According to reports, the vehicle belonged to the girlfriend of the suspect.

Investigators also conducted search and seizure operations at several addresses linked to the suspect.

Speaking outside court on Monday, Mathe confirmed that Sotheni is a former police Task Force member.

In South Africa, Task Force units are highly specialised tactical divisions within the police service. Members undergo rigorous training in advanced firearms handling, tactical operations, high-risk arrests and hostage rescue situations. Officers selected for these units are considered among the most skilled within the police service.

Because of this specialised training, Task Force members are known for their high level of accuracy with firearms and tactical discipline.

Mathe said Sotheni’s background is relevant to the investigation.

“He is a former Task Force member. In terms of his shooting ability, one can easily say he is like a sniper,” she said.

Police also revealed that another person allegedly involved in the killing has been identified.

Mathe confirmed that Wiandee Pretorious is believed to have been the driver on the day of the shooting, while Sotheni is alleged to have been the gunman. Pretorious committed suicide at a fuel station in Ekurhuleni in early February 2026. According to earlier reports, he was identified as a person of interest whom witness D testified about. Before his death, he claimed there was an attempted hit on him, and his vehicle was shot 16 times.

Authorities say investigations are ongoing and more arrests may follow as the task team continues to piece together the events surrounding the killing.

Sotheni has been remanded in custody, and the matter was postponed to 25 March 2026 for an opposed bail application. Prosecutors are expected to argue that he should remain behind bars while investigations continue.

According to sources, Sothen left the police not in good terms. When asked about it, Mathe said this matter was between an employer and its employee. She cannot comment on it. Mathe advised police officers to approach their labour personnel when they have disputes and said special fast force training is expensive and lots of money is spent. She conceded that most members get approached by wealthy people and security companies due to their skills.