Marius Van Der Merwe Murder Accused Matipandile Sotheni Found With Cellphones in Prison
- Murder accused Matipandile Sotheni appeared before the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court on 9 September 2026
- The former Special Task Force marksman faces charges of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and attempted murder
- South Africans weighed in on the latest appearance and the fact that new allegations were made against Sotheni
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Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.
GAUTENG - Matipandile Sotheni, the man accused of killing Marius van der Merwe, was allegedly found in possession of cellphones while in custody at Kgosi Mampuru Prison.
Sotheni, a former South African Police Service Special Task Force marksman, faces charges of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and attempted murder in connection with a December 2025 drive-by shooting that killed van der Merwe.
Van der Merwe was also known as Witness D, the anonymous witness who testified before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
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Cellphone linked to Sotheni
During the latest court appearance on 9 September 2026, the State prosecutor alleged that a raid was conducted during which cellphones were found. Three cellphones were not found in Sotheni's cell, but were found close by.
One of the devices recovered was positively linked to Sotheni. Investigators established that he had used it to communicate with at least one other person about his ongoing case from behind bars.
The nature and content of those communications were not disclosed in open court, nor were the identities of those he allegedly contacted confirmed.
What you need to know about van der Merwe's murder
- President Cyril Ramaphosa promised more security for witnesses and whistleblowers following van der Merwe's murder.
- Commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi distanced himself from the murder of van der Merwe, claiming that he did not know him personally.
- Police found a bakkie abandoned in Alexandra, which they believed was used in the commission of van der Merwe’s murder.
- Police had taken in a person of interest for questioning in relation to van der Merwe's murder.
- Van der Merwe’s sister told eNCA that he hid details about his work to protect his family after receiving numerous threats.
How did South Africans react?
The development drew immediate reaction online, with some commenting on his appearance.
@drmphoza9 wrote:
"They must take him to Ebongweni."
@sku_man said:
"Keep him inside"
@Katli_MaKopo commented:
"This guy really ruined his life."
@AubreyKhumalo2 stated:
"This guy is a criminal. By the looks, nje."
@3onn18 noted:
"The eyes tell a story."
Former Special Task Force member arrested for murder
Briefly News reported that Matipandile Sotheni was arrested in connection with the murder of Witness D, Marius van der Merwe.
Sotheni, a former Special Task Force member, faces numerous charges, including conspiracy to commit murder and murder.
He made his first appearance before the Brakpan Magistrate's Court, where his matter was postponed for a formal bail application.
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Source: Briefly News
