By Motshwari Mo Mofokeng |
A former member of the South African Police Service’s elite Special Task Force has been arrested in connection with the murder of a crucial witness known as Witness D.
According to Athlenda Mathe, spokesperson for the South African Police Service (SAPS), the suspect — Matipandile Sotheni — previously served in the police’s highly specialised Special Task Force unit.
Mathe confirmed that Sotheni joined SAPS in 2005 and was selected to join the elite tactical unit in 2010. The Special Task Force is widely regarded as one of the most highly trained units within the police service, with members undergoing rigorous and costly training designed to combat serious and organised crime.
“The state invests significant resources in the training of these operators, with costs exceeding R1 million per member,” Mathe said.
She described it as deeply concerning when individuals who received such extensive training and state investment become implicated in serious criminal activities.
Authorities allege that Sotheni was involved in the killing of Witness D, identified as Marias van der Merwe, who was considered a key witness in an ongoing investigation.
Sotheni left the police service in 2019 after nearly a decade in the specialised unit.
Police have not yet disclosed the motive behind the killing, citing ongoing investigations. The suspect is expected to appear in court soon as authorities continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding the murder.
