Matiphandile Sotheni, the man accused of murdering Marius van der Merwe, also known as Witness D, made his first court appearance on Monday.
The 41-year-old has been charged with murder, conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, and the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Sotheni, a former member of the South African Police Service, was arrested Saturday by the task team investigating allegations that have emerged at the Madlanga commission.
SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe says the evidence in the murder of Witness D (Marius van der Merwe) showed he was assassinated by a highly skilled police officer, and they are confident with the arrest.
The Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System, also known as the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, has welcomed the arrest.
In a statement on Sunday, commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels said the commission welcomed the announcement by the South African Police Service (SAPS) that a suspect had been arrested in connection with the killing of Marius van der Merwe.
Van der Merwe appeared before the commission as “Witness D” on 14 November 2025 and was assassinated on 5 December, 2025.
According to the commission, his testimony helped uncover allegations of serious wrongdoing within the City of Ekurhuleni and the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD).
“The commission urges the relevant law enforcement agencies to ensure justice for the families of all those affected by people who are attempting to resist accountability for their alleged acts of criminality,” Michaels said.
The Madlanga Commission was established to investigate allegations of criminality, political interference, and corruption within South Africa’s criminal justice system.
The commission is chaired by Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga and is tasked with examining claims of misconduct and unlawful influence affecting law enforcement institutions.
Van der Merwe’s testimony before the commission was regarded as significant in shedding light on alleged corruption and irregular activities linked to municipal structures in Ekurhuleni.
His killing shortly after appearing before the commission raised concerns about the safety of witnesses and the broader efforts to expose corruption and criminal networks within public institutions. – SAnews.gov.za and ONN