Matipandile Sotheni, 41, a former member of the South African Police Service (SAPS) Special Task Force, made his first court appearance on Monday, 16 March 2026, at the Brakpan Magistrates’ Court. He faces charges of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, three counts of attempted murder, and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition in connection with the assassination of Marius van der Merwe, who testified anonymously as Witness D at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. The matter was postponed to 25 March 2026 for a formal bail application, with the state intending to oppose bail. Sotheni remains in custody.
Sotheni joined the SAPS in 2005 and became a member of the elite Special Task Force in 2010, serving as a marksman. He resigned from the SAPS in 2019 and subsequently worked in the private sector as a bodyguard. Police have described him as highly trained, noting that the cost to train a Special Task Force member exceeds R1 million. National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe stated that Sotheni’s training made him the person selected for the job, as “they knew that he would execute and eliminate Witness D on the spot because of the training that our special task force members receive.”
Van der Merwe was shot dead in a drive-by shooting outside his home in Brakpan on 5 December 2025, in full view of his family, shortly after 8pm. He had testified at the Madlanga Commission in November 2025, alleging that senior officials in the City of Ekurhuleni were complicit in the murder of Emmanuel Mbense, whose body was found dumped at Duduza Dam in Nigel in April 2022. Sotheni is accused of being the gunman who fired the shots, including those that struck van der Merwe in the head and leg. The charges include attempted murder in relation to van der Merwe’s wife, Leanne, and children, who were present but unharmed. An AK-47 is believed to have been used in the shooting; police are still searching for the weapon.
Sotheni was arrested in Johannesburg on Saturday, 14 March 2026, and was one of three suspects identified by police. The vehicle believed to have been used in the murder — a Suzuki Swift traced to Sotheni’s girlfriend — has been seized. Wiandre Pretorius, identified as the driver in the shooting, died by suicide on 8 February 2026 at a petrol station in Brakpan. A third suspect, believed to be the mastermind, remains at large. Police have interviewed two other people in connection with the case.
During Monday’s brief court appearance, Sotheni, dressed in black, showed no emotion and stared ahead. Heavily armed officers provided security both inside and outside the courtroom. Van der Merwe’s widow was present and visibly emotional. The case has been classified as a Schedule 6 offence, placing the onus on Sotheni to prove exceptional circumstances if bail is to be considered.
Brigadier Mathe described the arrest as an unfortunate development for the SAPS, stating it was regrettable that a former member trained at such high cost had been linked to the murder of a key whistleblower. Investigations continue, with police confirming that Sotheni was the alleged shooter while pursuing remaining leads and the missing firearm. Sotheni has not commented on the charges. His next appearance is scheduled for 25 March 2026 at the same court for the bail hearing.
Sotheni completed the SAPS Special Task Force selection process and training cycle after joining the unit in 2010. Candidates must be full-time functional SAPS members who have completed basic police training, hold the rank of constable, sergeant or warrant officer, and be no older than 32 years of age at entry. The multi-faceted selection includes provincial pre-selection, a preparation and conditioning phase, and the Vasbyt endurance phase, with historical data showing pass rates as low as around 5 percent from thousands of applicants.
The STF Training Cycle spans 16 months and consists of a basic phase lasting 26 weeks that covers weapons handling and proficiency, rural and urban combat tactics, and basic parachuting, followed by advanced phases including advanced rural and urban tactics, advanced driving, hostage release operations (on land, sea or air), waterborne skills, explosive breaching, VIP protection, advanced parachuting, diving, and medical training. The full qualification process can extend up to three years, after which members enter a two-year probation period. As a designated marksman in the unit, Sotheni received extensive specialised training in precision marksmanship and tactical shooting. The cost to train each Special Task Force member exceeds R1 million. National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe stated that this training made Sotheni the individual selected for the operation, as those responsible knew he would execute and eliminate the target on the spot due to the skills provided to Special Task Force members.
Viral Video Highlights Escalating School Bullying Crisis in South Africa
A video showing a young girl being beaten in front of a crowd of onlookers, including other children who stood by and in some cases recorded the incident, has been circulating widely on social media platforms. The footage, marked as not suitable for sensitive viewers, depicts the assault occurring in what appears to be a school-related setting, with bystanders failing to intervene.
WATCH VIDEO HERE
This incident comes amid growing evidence of bullying as a persistent and widespread problem in South African schools. According to data from the Department of Basic Education and UNICEF from 2023, approximately 3.2 million learners experience bullying each year, roughly double the global average. A 2019 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study further revealed that 74% of South African Grade 5 students reported exposure to one or more forms of bullying almost monthly.
More recent figures underscore the scale of the issue. Provincial Education Departments reported a total of 11,194 incidents of bullying in public ordinary schools between October 2024 and September 2025. In the first weeks of the 2025 academic year alone, 548 cases were documented nationwide, with Limpopo province recording the highest number at 305. Earlier studies, including one from 2013 involving 12,000 Grade 9 pupils, showed that 36% of learners were involved in bullying as victims, perpetrators or both, with 19% identifying primarily as victims.
Additional statistics paint a concerning picture of under-reporting and impact. Research indicates that around two-thirds of victims never report their experiences, often due to fear of ridicule, disbelief or inaction. One in ten high school learners skips school to avoid bullying, contributing to absenteeism and disrupted education. Data also shows that 90% of bullying incidents are learner-on-learner, taking forms including physical, verbal and psychological abuse. Boys and older students have been identified in some studies as more likely to be victims.
The effects extend beyond immediate harm. Bullying has been linked to anxiety, depression, declining academic performance and, in severe cases, suicide. A 2021 study across primary schools found 33% of children aged 10-12 had been hit by peers, while 30% reported being called unkind names. The 2019 TIMSS data further noted that 64% of Grade 9 learners experienced bullying on at least a monthly basis.
The Department of Basic Education maintains the National School Safety Framework and has developed an Anti-Bullying Strategy that promotes a zero-tolerance approach, including early intervention, school-based support teams and codes of conduct. The department also observes Anti-Bullying Week annually in November to raise awareness. Provincial policies, such as the Western Cape’s “Abuse No More” guidelines, set timelines for acknowledging reports within 24-48 hours and completing investigations within 10 school days.
Despite these measures, the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education has raised concerns that bullying remains poorly addressed in provinces including the Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga and Limpopo. Presentations to the committee highlighted inconsistencies in school-level data, under-reporting and a lack of uniform action. In the Eastern Cape alone, over 3,400 learners were affected by bullying incidents in one year, with varying quarterly figures pointing to gaps in documentation. The committee noted that responses often remain reactive rather than preventive.
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has publicly urged school leaders to act swiftly on bullying allegations and has referenced interdepartmental mechanisms, including collaboration with the South African Police Service, to strengthen responses. Parliamentary records show the department receives aggregated provincial data to identify trends and guide national policy.
These statistics and ongoing reports confirm that school bullying continues to affect millions of South African learners, with documented incidents rising and systemic challenges in addressing the root causes persisting across provinces.
Taxi Boss and Wife Fatally Shot in Drive-By Attack in Sandelhout Street, Delft South
Cape Town – A taxi boss and his wife were killed in a drive-by shooting on the evening of 16 March 2026 in Sandelhout Street, Delft South. Reports confirm the couple was inside their vehicle when assailants opened fire on the SUV. The incident occurred behind Goal Super Market in the area.
Multiple accounts describe the targeted vehicle as belonging to the taxi boss. Both victims died at the scene from gunshot wounds. No names have been released publicly at this stage, and no arrests have been reported.
This latest fatal shooting in Delft South follows closely on another deadly incident in the same suburb. On 12 March 2026, three taxi operators were shot dead at the Voorbrug taxi rank on Delft Main Road. Western Cape police confirmed that a white Toyota Quantum minibus stopped at the rank shortly after 06:15. Gunshots were fired from inside the vehicle at the victims, who were seated in a parked taxi. Two men, aged 55 and 58, were declared dead on the scene. A third victim, aged 38, was taken to hospital but later succumbed to his injuries. Police have stated the motive is believed to be linked to the taxi industry, and the Provincial Serious and Violent Crime unit is investigating three counts of murder.
The minibus taxi sector in Cape Town has recorded repeated outbreaks of violence tied to route control and association rivalries. In July 2021, conflict between operators from the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA) and the Congress of Democratic Taxi Associations (CODETA) over the B97 route between Bellville and Paarl led to at least seven taxi drivers being killed in separate shooting incidents across the city.
In August 2023, the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) declared a strike in the Western Cape. The action caused widespread transport disruptions and included reported acts of violence such as stonings and shootings targeting buses and other vehicles.
Broader historical data shows the scale of the problem. Following the rapid deregulation of the industry in the early 1990s, competition over routes and permits triggered what became known as the taxi wars. Records indicate that more than 2 000 people died and thousands more were injured in taxi-related violence across South Africa during the 1990s.
Extortion, control of lucrative routes, and disputes between rival associations continue to drive tensions in the Western Cape taxi industry. Delft and surrounding Cape Flats areas have been affected by these patterns, with shootings at ranks and on the road forming part of a documented cycle.
Police have not yet issued an official statement on the Sandelhout Street incident. Investigations into the double murder are ongoing.
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Johannesburg Authorities Issue Urgent Warning Over ‘Chuff’ Trend as Teens Inhale Fire Extinguisher Contents
A video showing school learners inhaling the contents of a fire extinguisher is spreading on social media, prompting concern from officials in Johannesburg.
WATCH VIDEO HERE
The activity, referred to as the ‘Chuff’ challenge, has triggered alerts from parents, teachers and emergency responders across the city.
The City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services has highlighted the serious health dangers linked to breathing in fire extinguisher substances. These risks include pneumonia, seizures and death.
Officials stated that fire extinguishers are made only to extinguish fires and are not intended for inhalation or any form of smoking.
To address safety awareness, the city operates Besafe Centres located in all seven regions. These centres provide educational programmes on life and fire safety, which cover the correct use of fire extinguishers.
Schools and members of the public are encouraged to visit the Besafe Centres or arrange for Public Education Officers to deliver these training sessions at their locations.
Parents have been called upon to speak directly with their children about the hazards of participating in the ‘Chuff’ trend.
Anyone who believes a person may be at risk from this activity is advised to contact the Emergency Management Services Command and Control Centre immediately on 011 375 5911.
The Emergency Management Services is appealing to the community to share accurate information about the dangers so that further harm can be avoided.
Two Men Assaulted by Mob in Tongaat After Sangoma Premonition Identifies Them in Burglary
TONGAAT – Two men were beaten by a group of community members in the Egrondini area of Sitaram, Tongaat, on Tuesday evening after local residents identified them as suspects in an earlier burglary on the basis of a premonition received from a Sangoma.
Reaction Unit South Africa officers were dispatched to the scene at 21:16 following reports that a mob was assaulting the pair. On arrival, the officers found residents beating one of the men, who had been stripped naked.
According to details gathered at the scene, the suspects were singled out by community members following a consultation with the Sangoma, who indicated that the two men had been involved in the previous burglary incident.
It could not be confirmed at the time whether the injured men were responsible for the crimes of which they were accused. The Tongaat South African Police Service is continuing its investigation into the assault.
