Two SANDF Members Arrested in Connection with Lieutenant Colonel Frans Mathipa’s Murder Case

Johannesburg – Two members of the South African National Defence Forces have been apprehended in connection to the murder of Lieutenant Colonel Frans Mathipa.

The suspects, aged 36 and 51, are set to appear in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 23 June 2025, facing charges of murder and kidnapping.

Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Singo reported that the arrests took place on Sunday, 22 June 2025, at OR Tambo International Airport and in Centurion, Pretoria.

“These arrests are linked to the murder of Lieutenant Colonel Frans Mathipa, who was tragically shot while driving on the N1 highway, near Hammanskraal, on 6 August 2023,” Lieutenant Colonel Singo stated.

Following the shooting, his vehicle lost control and crashed into a ditch.

Lieutenant Colonel Mathipa, who was part of the Hawks’ Crimes Against the State section within the Serious Organised Crime Investigation in Gauteng, was actively investigating a case at the time of his untimely death.

During the operation, authorities also seized a vehicle belonging to the 36-year-old suspect.

Lieutenant Colonel Singo noted that this vehicle was used in the abduction of two foreign nationals at a mall in Midrand on 29 December 2022.

The vehicle has been taken for further forensic examination.