A former member of an elite police unit, Matipandile Sotheni, has been charged with the murder of a whistleblower who testified at a major police corruption inquiry in South Africa.
Sotheni, 41, appeared in court over the killing of Marius van der Merwe in December 2025. He allegedly shot Van der Merwe in front of his family, an act that sparked national outrage. Sotheni has not commented on the charges.
Van der Merwe, identified as “Witness D” during his testimony at the Madlanga Commission, had implicated police officers in the torture and murder of robbery suspect Emmanuel Mbense, who died in April 2022. His disclosures led to the suspension of several implicated officers.
The Madlanga Commission was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa after allegations emerged that organized crime had infiltrated local government. Police Minister Senzo Mchunu was suspended during the investigation but denies any criminal links. Parliament is also probing the allegations.
In addition to Van der Merwe, three of the 12 people implicated in Mbense’s killing have since died—two were shot, and one committed suicide. Police say Sotheni was arrested over the weekend as one of three suspects in the whistleblower’s murder.
Security was tight at the court, with Sotheni, dressed in black, escorted by armed officers into a packed courtroom. He showed no emotion, while Van der Merwe’s grieving wife wiped away tears.
Police spokesperson Brig Athlenda Mathe described Sotheni as the alleged hitman, with another suspect, Wiandre Pretorius, identified as the driver of the vehicle used in the drive-by shooting; Pretorius later killed himself. Authorities have seized the car but are still searching for the firearm, believed to be an AK-47.
Sotheni also faces charges of attempting to kill Van der Merwe’s wife and children. The case has been adjourned to March 25 for a formal bail application.
