Former Police Special Task Force member Matipandile Sotheni is expected to continue with his bail application at the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court on Thursday in connection with the murder of Madlanga Commission of Inquiry witness Marius van der Merwe, widely known as ‘Witness D’.
Sotheni is facing 16 charges linked to the fatal shooting. Prosecutors have argued that he should remain in custody, while the defence insists the state does not have enough evidence to secure a conviction.
The accused has denied any role in the killing, maintaining that he only learnt about the shooting through media coverage.
Matipandile Sotheni’s Defense Challenges Strength Of State’s Case
During proceedings earlier this week, Sotheni’s legal team argued that the prosecution’s case is weak and would not stand up to scrutiny beyond a reasonable doubt.
According to the defence, Sotheni had no involvement in either the planning or execution of the murder of ‘Witness D’.
The defence further maintained that there is insufficient evidence directly linking the former STF member to the assassination.
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The state has strongly opposed bail, describing the killing as a calculated and targeted assassination of a protected witness.
Prosecutors also argued that Sotheni poses a flight risk if released from custody.
The matter is expected to continue before the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court as arguments over bail proceed.
