Matipandile Sotheni, a suspect linked to the murder of Witness D, Marius van der Merwe, has appeared before the Brakpan Magistrate's Court on Monday morning.
Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers
The family of Marius van der Merwe, who was known as Witness D at the Madlanga Commission, say they have been receiving death threats following his killing and believe the person responsible was someone who knew him well.
They spoke outside the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court on Monday, where the suspect, who has been identified as Matipandile Sotheni, was making his first court appearance.
Van der Merwe’s sister, Natasha, told the media the family believes more people were involved in the killing.
“That’s linked to all the hits and stuff. You know, my brother was one of them, but I just hope that they catch everyone involved. So we know it’s not just a hit,” she said.
Heavily armed police officers were stationed outside the courthouse.
“It comes from higher places, and we really hope that they catch the people that’s involved,” Nathasha added.
She said the family has been struggling to cope with the trauma following the killing.
“I’ve been diagnosed with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and severe trauma that causes depression and anxiety. That’s why I shake so badly,” she said.
“It affected me badly, in a way, because of our mother being strong for the family, and then also communicating with Leanne, the mother, and checking up on the kids.”
“It’s been a rollercoaster ride, I must say. It has definitely affected our health. Me, definitely.”
Natasha said the family had not been updated by the South African Police Service (SAPS) since her brother was killed on December 5.
She said the situation has not changed.
“Nothing,” she said, adding that the family only learned about developments through social media.
“Only on social media. No one came to us and told us that there was an arrest made - nothing. If it wasn’t for social media and people sending me links, I would not have known.”
She said the lack of communication was concerning.
“It’s definitely concerning because, as a family, we are waiting. We’ve been waiting three months.”
“We just want answers. That’s all we’re asking. We’ve got so many questions, but we don’t get any answers.”
KILLED: Marius “Vlam” van der Merwe
Image: X
Natasha also said members of the family have been receiving death threats.
“Yes, we have. We don’t know (who),” she said.
She added that the family had not yet opened a case regarding the threats but intended to do so.
According to reports, the alleged shooter has been identified as a former member of the elite SAPS task force, and his marksmanship is believed to have linked him to the murder.
The information regarding the suspect is expected to be confirmed inside the court.
Nathasha said the development was concerning and that the family was preparing to see the suspect.
“It’s concerning, but as I said three months ago - and I’ll say it again now - it’s someone my brother knew.”
“Its definitely somebody my brother knew. So I’m shocked, and I think I’ll be shocked as well when I see who is responsible for his killing,” she said.
The suspect was arrested on Saturday by a task team investigating allegations that emerged during the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
It is the task team’s first arrest linked to the inquiry.
Van der Merwe, was shot dead at his home in Brakpan on December 5.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the task team investigating cases stemming from the commission had obtained a warrant of arrest before carrying out the operation.
“The task team established to investigate cases emanating from the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has registered its first breakthrough with the arrest of a suspect believed to be the shooter in the Marius van der Merwe murder case,” Mathe said.
“The vehicle believed to have been used on the day Witness D was murdered has also been seized.”
National police commissioner General Fannie Masemola said on Sunday that another suspect linked to the murder was still on the run.
During a press briefing on the South African National Defence Force and police’s joint operation to combat crime, Masemola said, “We are thankful we have made a breakthrough in the murder of Witness D.
“The person will appear in court on Monday.”
He said police were still searching for another suspect.
“One of the suspects - we are still hunting them,” he said. “More will come out as time goes on.”
Masemola declined to comment on the motive for the murder.
The Madlanga Commission also welcomed the arrest.
“The commission urges the relevant law enforcement agencies to ensure justice for the families of all those affected by people attempting to resist accountability for their alleged acts of criminality,” said commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels.
The Madlanga Commission was established to investigate allegations of criminality, political interference and corruption within South Africa’s criminal justice system. It is examining claims of misconduct and unlawful influence affecting law enforcement institutions.
In November, Van der Merwe testified before the commission, where he made explosive allegations about corruption within the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD).
He also blew the whistle on the 2023 murder of a suspect.
Van der Merwe previously worked for the EMPD and was also a security specialist.
IOL News