SANDF
By Natalie Naidoo
Two members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) have been arrested for the brutal murder of Hawks investigator Frans Mathipa. Mathipa was assassinated in August 2023 while probing the alleged abduction of Ethiopian businessman Abdella Abadiga by SANDF special forces from the Mall of Africa. This high-stakes case has gripped South Africa, sparking outrage and raising serious concerns about military involvement in criminal activities, possible torture squads, and a potential cover-up by high-ranking officials.
Who Was Frans Mathipa?
Frans Mathipa was a respected and fearless investigator with the Hawks, South Africa’s elite crime-fighting unit. Known for his relentless pursuit of justice, he specialised in tackling crimes against the state. At the time of his death, Mathipa was deep into an investigation of SANDF special forces members suspected of abducting Abdella Abadiga, an Ethiopian businessman, from the Mall of Africa in late 2022. His dedication to uncovering the truth made him a standout figure in law enforcement, but it also put him in grave danger.
The Mysterious Abduction at the Mall of Africa
The abduction of Abdella Abadiga and his bodyguard unfolded in late 2022 at the Mall of Africa, one of South Africa’s busiest shopping centres. CCTV footage revealed individuals, believed to be SANDF special forces members, escorting the two men out of the mall. Since that day, Abadiga and his bodyguard have disappeared without a trace, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions. What happened to them? Why were they targeted? The incident has fuelled speculation about the SANDF’s role in shadowy operations, with some linking the abduction to broader criminal or political motives.
Adding to the intrigue, the same vehicles involved in the Mall of Africa abduction were spotted three weeks earlier near the controversial docking of the Lady R vessel in Simon’s Town. This Russian ship allegedly offloaded weapons, a claim that stirred international controversy in 2023. The connection between these incidents suggests a deeper web of activity involving the SANDF special forces, possibly tied to illicit dealings or geopolitical interests.
Mathipa’s Relentless Pursuit of Justice
Mathipa threw himself into the investigation with unwavering determination. He took the case to court, seeking cellphone records of SANDF special forces members, including Colonel Sunny Boy Piney Wambi, and tracking the movements of vehicles linked to the abduction. His methodical approach followed every legal step, but it wasn’t easy. The SANDF, led by figures like General Eric Ni, head of legal affairs, fought fiercely to block his access to this evidence. Despite the resistance, Mathipa pressed on, refusing to let the military’s pushback stop his quest for the truth.
His work uncovered troubling signs of SANDF involvement, not just in the abduction but potentially in other crimes. Mathipa’s persistence painted a target on his back, as he edged closer to exposing secrets the military seemed desperate to keep buried.
A Professional Hit: The Assassination of Mathipa
On the night of 6 August 2023, Mathipa’s life ended in a chilling act of violence. While driving along the N1 highway, he was shot in the head by assailants firing from a moving vehicle. The attack was precise—a bullet delivered with sniper-like accuracy—pointing to killers with advanced military training. Many suspect the SANDF special forces, an elite unit known for its highly skilled operatives, were behind the hit. The assassination sent shockwaves across South Africa, exposing the deadly risks faced by those who challenge powerful institutions.
Two Years of Investigation Lead to Arrests
The Hawks didn’t let Mathipa’s death go unanswered. For nearly two years, their Crimes Against the State team worked tirelessly, piecing together evidence in one of the most high-profile cases in recent memory. On 22 June 2025, their efforts paid off with the arrest of two SANDF members, aged 36 and 51. The 36-year-old suspect matches the age of Colonel Sunny Boy Piney Wambi, a key figure Mathipa had been investigating. The pair are due to appear in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on 23 June 2025, facing charges of murder and kidnapping.
This breakthrough has been hailed as a bold move by the Hawks, especially given the military’s influence and the risks of taking on such a case. The arrests link directly to Mathipa’s murder and hint at a broader connection to the abduction he was probing.
Dark Allegations: Torture Squads and Cover-Ups
The case has peeled back layers of disturbing allegations about the SANDF special forces. Hennie van Vuuren, founding director of Open Secrets, a group focused on exposing corruption, has highlighted evidence of a “torture squad” within the unit. This group is accused of torturing suspects and possibly murdering a civilian at the SANDF’s Thaba Tshwane base. “You’ve got elite units within the military suspected of assassinating one of the country’s top cops,” van Vuuren said, praising the Hawks’ courage in pursuing the case.
Van Vuuren also pointed to a “deafening silence” from the presidency and SANDF leadership since Mathipa’s death. After Open Secrets published its findings in late 2023, the SANDF’s top brass, including the chief of the SANDF, held a press conference to dismiss the claims and threaten legal action against the group. Since then, little has been said officially, fuelling suspicions of a cover-up. A commission of inquiry into the torture allegations, completed over two years ago, reportedly sits untouched on the desk of the SANDF chief, adding to the sense of impunity.
A Web of Motives: Money, Power, and Politics
What drove these crimes? The abduction of Abadiga from a public place like the Mall of Africa, despite CCTV cameras everywhere, suggests a bold operation with high stakes. Some speculate it ties to financial gain—perhaps linked to the Lady R incident and arms dealings—while others see a political angle. During Jacob Zuma’s presidency, special forces members were reportedly used as personal guards, hinting at a history of military entanglement in political schemes. Could this be part of a larger pattern of the SANDF being weaponised for the benefit of powerful figures?
Van Vuuren raised the possibility that the special forces have been involved in “subterranean parts of our politics” for years, potentially covering up crimes that benefit politicians or military leaders. If true, Mathipa’s investigation threatened to unravel a network of corruption and abuse, making his murder a desperate act to silence him.
A Test for South Africa’s Leadership
This scandal puts President Cyril Ramaphosa and the SANDF leadership under intense scrutiny. The special forces report directly to the president, a structure dating back to Nelson Mandela’s time, raising questions about what he knew and when. “President Ramaphosa should be sweating at the moment,” van Vuuren warned. “He has sat on the sidelines for too long.” Calls are growing for him and Defence Minister Angie Motshekga to address the nation, explain the SANDF’s actions, and outline steps to root out criminal elements.
The silence from the top contrasts with the Hawks’ determination, amplifying demands for accountability. If the military’s top ranks are found to have protected the killers, the fallout could force resignations and shake public trust in the government.
🔴 Central News Special Edition | Issue 112 🔴 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Headline: Ngwathe Local Municipality’s R2 Billion Budget Rejected as Unfunded by Free
State Treasury
Download Here:
Direct PDF Link:
https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Central-News-Issue-112.pdf
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube
centralnewsza #news #politics