WATCH: Former SAPS Special Task Force member appears in court for murder of Marius ‘Vlam’ van der Merwe
Family members looked on as the former police officer appeared briefly in the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court.
The quiet corridors of the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court were a hive of activity this morning (March 16) when the suspect arrested for the murder of Marius “Vlam” van der Merwe made his first court appearance.
The suspect, Matiphandile Sotheni (41), was arrested in Johannesburg on March 14. The vehicle believed to have been used on the day that Van der Merwe was murdered was also seized.
Journalists started gathering outside the court early, forming a large media contingent as the proceedings drew significant public attention. Speaking to the media, Van der Merwe’s sister, Natasha van der Merwe, who was accompanied by a bodyguard, said the family was grateful for the arrest.
She stated that her brother had always stood up for the truth, and that she was Vlam’s voice now, because his had been silenced. Reflecting on previous incidents, Natasha said Van der Merwe had alerted her to threats against his life.
@brakpan_herald Natasha van der Merwe, the sister of Marius van der Merwe (Witness D), was speaking to reporters outside the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court. #Brakpan #crime #brakpanherald #MariusvanderMerwe
She recalled a message he sent her after shots were fired at his vehicle in September, as well as concerns he shared when he testified at the Madlanga Commission in November.
She stated he had become increasingly wary in the months before his death and had told her he no longer wanted to drive around because he believed he was being followed. Van der Merwe’s widow, Leanne, attended the court proceedings with her parents Rodney and Lesley McLean.
The family sat in the front row as the matter was heard. The courtroom was packed to capacity. When Sotheni was escorted into court, Leanne became visibly emotional. Wearing a thick dark jacket, Sotheni appeared both nervous and angry.
Proceedings concluded quickly, with magistrate Collen Mashego postponing the case to March 25 for a formal bail application. Sotheni will remain in custody. He faces six charges: conspiracy to commit murder, murder, three counts of attempted murder, and possession of unlicensed ammunition.
@brakpan_herald Brigadier Athlenda Mathe speaking to the media outside Brakpan Magistrate’s Court following the brief appearance of murder accused Matipandile Sotheni (a former SAPS Special Task Force member). #Brakpan #MariusvanderMerwe #crime @saps_rsa
SAPS national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that Sotheni is a former member of the SAPS.
According to Mathe, Sotheni joined the SAPS in 2005 and became a member of the Special Task Force in 2010. She added that he resigned in 2019 and later moved into the private sector.
She also said it is believed that Sotheni was the gunman, and Wiandre Pretorius was the driver.
Pretorius, who was implicated in proceedings before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, died after taking his own life at a petrol station in Dalview on February 7. Police are still looking for the AK-47 used in the commission of the crime.
@brakpan_herald The accused believed to be the gunman in the murder of Marius Van der Merwe made an appearance in the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court today (March 16). #Brakpan #crime #MariusvanderMerwe
ALSO CHECK: UPDATE: Van der Merwe reported fearing for his life
ALSO CHECK: VIDEO: SAPS hunts killers after Witness D murdered in Brenthurst
