WATCH | ‘I’ve nothing to do with this crime’ – Sotheni denies all charges in Van der Merwe curder

Matipandile Sotheni_2

Johannesburg – Former Special Task Force officer Matipandile Sotheni, accused of being the triggerman in the murder of Marius van der Merwe, has denied all charges against him, including premeditated murder, attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder.

Appearing in the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, Sotheni insisted he had no involvement in the killing, telling the court he wanted to assist “in the interest of justice” and that the allegations against him were false.

He also claimed it was the first time he had seen the lawyer representing him and that he had not given any instructions or provided a statement.

“I want to assist the court your worship, in the interest of justice and the allegations that were leveled against me, I deny them fully. I’ve nothing to do with this crime,” Sotheni says.

“I wish to state under oath, I want to state in English your worship because the lawyer here, is the first time I see him today, he’s not been given instruction by me, he did not even take my statement your worship.”

“I’m arrested here for something I did not commit and the instructions are coming left, right and centre your worship, I’m being decided upon, I have not done anything here. I’m on soial media, I’m everwhere. My name is painted.”

Sotheni expressed frustration over his arrest and the postponement of the case to May 14 for a formal bail application, maintaining his innocence throughout.

Van der Merwe, also known as Witness D, was shot and killed in front of his family outside their Brakpan home.

Meanwhile, the National Prosecuting Authority says it is ready to proceed, insisting there is sufficient evidence and that Sotheni has a case to answer in court.

Follow African Insider on Facebook, X and Instagram

Picture: Screengrab

For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com

Compiled by Betha Madhomu

Article written by