PRETORIA - The murder case of Witness D, Marius van der Merwe, is edging closer to trial.
Prosecutors say just one piece of forensic evidence remains outstanding before former Special Task Force member Matipandile Sotheni’s case can be transferred to the High Court.
Sotheni appeared briefly in the Brakpan magistrate’s court on Thursday.
READ: UPDATE: Case against alleged triggerman in Witness D murder postponed
Sotheni also appeared in court with a new legal representative.
“We expect that to be finalised by the next appearance so that the matter can be moved to the next phase, being, as I understand, being transferred to the High Court for the purposes of trial,” said Piet du Plessis.
Sotheni faces 16 charges, including murder and firearm-related offences.
He pleaded not guilty and was denied bail in June.
READ: Alleged triggerman in Witness D murder, Mathipandile Sotheni, denied bail
Van Der Merwe’s family says the wait for justice has been draining.
The case has now been postponed to 9 September when the State is expected to update the court on the forensic mapping of Sotheni’s cellphone.
Until then, the Van der Merwe family says they’re holding onto hope that justice will not be delayed.
- eNCA’s Nabeelah Shaikh reports.