The man accused of murdering Marius Van Der Merwe, a key witness at the Madlanga Commission, will remain in custody while his bail application continues later this week.
Former police Special Task Force sharpshooter Mathiphandile Sotheni appeared in the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court on Monday for the formal start of his bail application.
Sotheni is charged in connection with the killing of Van Der Merwe, who testified before the commission under the pseudonym “Witness D”.
New Charges Delay Mathiphandile Sotheni Bail Application
The State has added eight further charges against Sotheni, prompting his legal team to request additional time to prepare a supplementary affidavit addressing the new allegations.
Most of the charges relate to murder, attempted murder, and the unlawful possession and improper storage of rifles and ammunition.
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Before Monday’s proceedings, the defence had received only seven charges and had already prepared an affidavit in support of bail based on those counts.
However, Sotheni’s legal representatives told the court they had not yet been provided with the newly added charges and asked for more time to examine the details.
Madlanga Commission: Sotheni Denies Violent Tendencies In Affidavit
Through his advocate, Nthabiseng Mohomane, Sotheni continues to deny the allegations against him.
“There is no evidence that the state has that suggests I have a propensity to violence. I have never expressed any threat to any person. I do not have any domestic violence, harassment or protection orders against me.”
Sotheni is expected to return to the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court on 21 May, when his bail application is set to resume.
