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Ex-Cop Charged with Whistleblower's Murder Ahead of Bail Hearing

3/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Matipandile Sotheni, a former elite police officer, has been charged with the murder of whistleblower Marius van der Merwe in South Africa.
Van der Merwe testified at a police corruption inquiry, implicating officials in serious crimes.
Van der Merwe was shot in front of his family in December 2025.
Wiandre Pretorius, the driver, died by suicide.
The case is set for a bail hearing on March 25.

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Story summary

Matipandile Sotheni, a former elite police officer, has been charged with the murder of whistleblower Marius van der Merwe in South Africa.
Van der Merwe testified at a police corruption inquiry, implicating officials in serious crimes.
Van der Merwe was shot in front of his family in December 2025.
Wiandre Pretorius, the driver, died by suicide.
The case is set for a bail hearing on March 25.