Twelve SANDF soldiers got bail of R10,000 each on 5 July 2024 in the Randburg court.
They are accused of killing a Hawks officer, Lieutenant Colonel Frans Mathipa, who was shot and killed on the N1 near Hammanskraal on 6 August 2023.
Their names have not been shared yet because police must confirm their identity through a lineup.
Top Police Officer Shot on the N1
Lieutenant Colonel Mathipa was a top Hawks investigator. His job was to fight serious crimes like terrorism and organised crime.
On the day he died, he was found dead on the N1 highway. The case shocked the country.
Police think SANDF special unit soldiers were involved in the attack. The reason is still unclear but may be linked to his job.
From Parliament to your local street, we track it all on our news website
Kidnapping at Mall of Africa Also Part of Case
The same 12 soldiers are also facing charges for kidnapping two men at the Mall of Africa on 22 December 2022.
The men taken were:
- Abdela Abadiga, who is believed to be an ISIS leader in South Africa
- Kadir Abotese, his bodyguard
Police say both men are still missing. They are now believed to be dead, though their bodies have not been found.
What Happens Next in Court
The court gave the 12 soldiers bail, but with strict rules:
- They must stay in Gauteng
- They are not allowed to speak to any witnesses
- They must report to the police station every week
The case will go back to court later this year. The identity parade will help confirm who was involved in each part of the case.
This case has raised big concerns about crime inside the military.
Public and Government Reaction
The case has caught the attention of the public and top officials. Many are demanding full answers.
If the soldiers are found guilty, it could be one of the biggest military-linked crime cases in the country’s history.
Quick Facts Summary
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Who is accused | 12 SANDF Special Forces soldiers |
| Bail amount | R10,000 each |
| Murder victim | Hawks officer Lt Col Frans Mathipa |
| Murder date | 6 August 2023 |
| Kidnapping victims | Alleged ISIS leader and bodyguard |
| Kidnapping date | 22 December 2022 |
| Location of kidnapping | Mall of Africa, Midrand |
| Victim status | Still missing, believed dead |
| Court name | Randburg Magistrate’s Court |
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Hi, I’m Amandeep Singh, a content writer at Ramnath Intercollage. I share updates on jobs, internships, and scholarships across South Africa using official and trusted sources. My aim is to make every post easy to read and helpful for anyone looking to apply.
