B: Zilungile Mkhize
A former member of the police’s Special Task Force, Matipandile Sotheni, has been identified as the alleged murderer of a witness before a commission of inquiry.
Marius van der Merwe was shot dead in Brakpan, Gauteng, in December. Sotheni appeared in the local Magistrate’s Court facing six charges, including murder.
Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe confirmed that Sotheni allegedly acted alongside former police reservist Wiandré Pretorius, who has since died by suicide.
According to Mathe, the case has been postponed and is expected to return to court next Wednesday.
The killing of a witness linked to a commission of inquiry has raised serious concerns about witness safety and the protection of individuals cooperating with investigations. Authorities have indicated that the matter remains under active investigation.
