Sotheni tells court he's ready to speak after denying killing Witness D

Alpha Ramushwana

Alpha Ramushwana

25 March 2026 | 11:00

Matiphandile Sotheni appeared in the Brakpan Magistrate's Court on Wednesday for allegedly shooting Marius van der Merwe, who testified at the commission as Witness D.

Sotheni tells court he's ready to speak after denying killing Witness D

Matiphandile Sotheni, who is accused of killing the Marius van der Merwe, also known as Witness D in the Madlanga Commission of Iquiry, appeared before the Brakpan Magistrates Court on 25 March 2026. Picture: Alpha Ramushwana/EWN

The man arrested in connection with the murder of a key witness at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry says the postponement of his bid for bail is unfair.

Matiphandile Sotheni appeared in the Brakpan Magistrate's Court on Wednesday for allegedly shooting Marius van der Merwe, who testified at the commission as Witness D.

ALSO READ: Accused in killing of Madlanga Commission witness: 'I fully deny the allegations'

He was meant to formally apply for bail, but his lawyers requested to return to court on 14 May to finalise his bid for bail.

However, Sotheni lashed out and told the court the instruction to postpone the matter didn’t come from him.

"Postponing this case is delaying this matter. I wish to assist the court. I’m ready with my statement and I’m ready to say what happened. My lawyer didn’t even take my statement. I’m arrested for something I didn’t commit."

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