The quiet corridors of the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court were a hive of activity on Monday when the accused arrested for the murder of Marius ‘Vlam’ van der Merwe (also known as ‘Witness D’) made his first court appearance.

Matipandile Sotheni (41) was arrested in Johannesburg on Saturday. The vehicle believed to have been used on the day that Van der Merwe was murdered was also seized, reports Brakpan Herald.

Journalists started gathering early outside the court, 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.

She recalled a message he sent her after shots were fired at his vehicle in September 2025, as well as concerns he shared when he testified at the Madlanga Commission in November 2025.

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 next Wednesday for a formal bail application. Sotheni will remain in custody.

He faces six charges:

• Conspiracy to commit murder
• Murder
• Three counts of attempted murder
• Possession of unlicensed ammunition

National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that Sotheni is a former member of the police.

According to Mathe, Sotheni joined the police 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’ death

Pretorius, who was implicated in proceedings before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, died after taking his own life at a petrol station in Dalview last month. Police are still looking for the AK-47 used in the commission of the crime.

Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.

Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.