UPDATE: New date set for Van der Merwe murder accused’s bail application
The accused reportedly had words with his previous legal representative, who decided to withdraw from the case.
Matiphandile Sotheni (41), the accused in the murder case of Brenthurst resident Marius van der Merwe, made his third appearance in the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court this morning (Monday), where his new legal representative was announced, and his bail application date was moved from May 14 to April 24.
His previous representative, Eric Bryer, withdrew from the case after he and Sotheni reportedly could not find common ground.
In Sotheni’s previous appearance on March 25, he made claims that he had not met Bryer prior and had not given him any instructions pertaining to the case.
“Bryer says he was reluctant to come to court because of the sensitive nature of the matter,” said prosecutor Nqobile Maphalala.
Magistrate Collen Mashego presided.
Sotheni’s new defence, Nthabiseng Mohomane, says the original date of May 14 proposed by Bryer is too far away.
“It takes away the sense of urgency when it comes to the importance of the bail application,” she said.
The new date of April 24 was set and accepted by the court, with no objections from the prosecution.
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