NPA cites enough evidence to deny van der Merwe’s alleged murderer bail

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said there is overwhelming evidence justifying its decision not to release the alleged murderer of a key witness at the Madlanga Commission.

Marius van der Merwe, who testified as Witness D at the inquiry, was shot dead outside his Brakpan home in December.

His suspected shooter, Matipandile Sotheni, made his first appearance in the Brakpan Magistrates Court on Monday, following his arrest at the weekend.

He’s set to return to court for a formal bail application next Wednesday.

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Sotheni is facing a schedule six offence, with the charges including premeditated murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to murder and possession of an unlicensed ammunition.

NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said this is enough justification to oppose Sotheni’s release on bail.

“We are opposing bail because of the seriousness of the crime. You must remember that investigations will lead us to other aspects because we still need to get his criminal profile.”

Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe has echoed the sentiment.

“We will support the NPA in opposing bail because we believe he is quite lethal, looking at his level of training. We train our operators to serve the people of this country and not to use the skill to murder people.”

One other suspect believed to be involved in Witness D’s murder is still on the run, while another died by suicide after being implicated at the Madlanga Commission.