The case against former Special Task Force police officer Matiphandile Sotheni has been postponed following a brief appearance at the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
Sotheni is linked to the murder of Marius van der Merwe, who appeared as Witness D at the Madlanga Commission late last year.
He faces six charges, including conspiracy to commit murder, premeditated murder, attempted murder, and possession of unlicensed ammunition.
State prosecutor Advocate Nqobile Maphalala says the state will oppose Sotheni’s bail application, arguing that the matter falls under a Schedule 6 offence.
“We are alleging that it is a Schedule 6 offence. The deceased was killed in a premeditated murder, and the accused is charged with conspiracy to commit the murder of the three occupants of the vehicle, as well as possession of unlicensed ammunition,” he said.
“Therefore, the state is opposing bail. It is the accused who must show exceptional circumstances for his release on bail.”
The defence legal representative, Ntuta Mbeje, requested that the state provide a certificate confirming that Sotheni is facing a Schedule 6 offence. The prosecutor agreed to the request.
The matter has been postponed to 25 March for a bail application.
