A breakthrough was made in the high-profile killing of whistle-blower Marius van der Merwe, known as “Witness D”, at the commission of inquiry. A former elite police officer believed to be the gunman was arrested.

It’s understood that after “Witness D”, Marius Van der Merwe, testified at the commission regarding matters relating to a murder investigation in Brakpan in November, the accused conspired to kill Van der Merwe and conducted surveillance on the deceased.

On 5 December, the accused allegedly positioned himself in the vicinity of the deceased’s residence. When the deceased arrived home with his wife and two minor children, it is alleged that the accused shot the deceased, and he was declared dead on the scene.

A former member of the police’s special task force was arrested on Saturday (14/3) in connection with the killing, following investigations by the Madlanga task team, said Gauteng NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana. Matipandile Sotheni appeared in the Brakpan Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

The 41-year-old faces charges of conspiracy to commit murder, premeditated murder, three counts of attempted murder, and unlawful possession of ammunition. The case has been postponed to next Wednesday for an opposed bail application.

Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe, speaking during a media briefing aired by Newzroom Afrika, detailed how the fatal shooting unfolded. The attack was carried out as a drive-by shooting, with the gunman firing from inside a vehicle.

“There were two people in that car; it was a drive-by shooting. According to our investigation, the gunman who shot Witness D shot him from the car, and that could only be possible if you have a highly trained gunman to do so. He fired two shots, and Witness D was killed by one shot.”

Investigators allege Wiandré Pretorius was driving the vehicle while Sotheni was seated in the passenger seat and “pulled the trigger”. “Our overwhelming evidence places them on the scene,” Mathe added.

Authorities believe the murder was carefully orchestrated, and are now focusing on identifying the individual who ordered the hit. Police have said further arrests are likely, expressing hope that Sotheni will cooperate with investigators and reveal the alleged mastermind behind Van der Merwe’s killing.

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OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi sm