Accused in killing of Madlanga Commission witness: 'I need to take my children to school'

The man accused of killing a key witness at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry said his children have been left stranded following his arrest.

Matiphandile Sotheni (41) appeared in the Brakpan Magistrates Court on Wednesday, for allegedly murdering Marius van der Merwe, who’s also known as Witness D.

He lashed out in court following the postponement of his bail application, saying he’s suffering for a crime he didn’t commit.

Shortly after the defence and prosecution agreed that Sotheni would remain in custody until his next court appearance on 14 May 2026, he lost his composure and lashed out in the dock.

ALSO READ:

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

Police searching for one more suspect linked to murder of Witness D, says Masemola

Visibly agitated and emotional, Sotheni told journalists while being escorted to the holding cells that his arrest is significantly affecting his family.

“I have not done anything, and yet I’m on social media. My name is tainted. I’m not okay. I need to take my children to school. I’ve got a lot of work to do. I’ve got three kids.”

While Sotheni has denied killing van der Merwe, he said he is prepared to tell the court the truth about what happened.

He claims he had prepared a statement to present in court, but his lawyer, whom he said he does not know, didn’t bother to present it to the court.