JOHANNESBURG - The murder case against former SAPS Special Task Force member Matipandile Sotheni is back in the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court, with the State expected to take another step towards transferring the matter to the High Court.
Prosecutors are expected to provide an update on the cellphone mapping and plotting evidence, which is the final outstanding forensic work before they seek to have the case transferred for trial.
Sotheni (42) faces 16 charges, including the murder of Madlanga Commission “Witness D”, Marius van der Merwe.
He is also charged with conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder and theft.
READ | UPDATE: Case against alleged triggerman in Witness D murder postponed
Sotheni resigned from the South African Police Service in 2019 and later worked as a private bodyguard.
He is accused of killing van der Merwe outside his home in December last year.
The cellphone evidence is expected to form part of the State’s case as prosecutors work towards finalising the matter for trial.
Sotheni remains in custody after he was denied bail in June.
Read more: 'It won't bring my brother back' - Witness D's family