Lt. Colonel Frans Mathipa Murder: 12 SANDF Members Released on R10,000 Bail Each

Johannesburg – The Randburg Magistrate’s Court has approved bail of R10,000 each for twelve members of the South African Defence Force (SANDF) who are accused of murdering Hawks investigator Lieutenant Colonel Frans Mathipa and two others.

The individuals charged include Sunnybooi Pinny Wambi, Edward Albert van Deventer, David Mogaditswe, Kgosietsile Letsatsi, Samkelo Ngwenya, Jonathan Nteleza, Paulos Matlou, Herbert Mashego, Solomon Lechoenyo, Jacob Mokoena, Richard Mpoetsi, and Olyn Lenardus.

They face serious charges, including three counts of murder, along with kidnapping, fraud, obstruction of justice, providing false statements under oath, and vehicle theft.

The charges arise from the alleged kidnapping of Abdella Hussain Abadiga and Kadir Jemal Abotese, who were reportedly taken to the Zwartkop Military Base, and their current whereabouts remain unknown.

Abadiga and Abotese were allegedly abducted by the SANDF members at the Mall of Africa in Midrand on 29 December 2022.

The accused also face charges related to the assassination of Lieutenant Colonel Mathipa, who was investigating the kidnappings of Abadiga and Abotese.

Mathipa was killed on 6 August 2023 while driving on the N1 Highway by assailants using a SANDF vehicle.

During the bail hearing on Friday, 11 July 2025, defense attorneys presented affidavits from the accused, claiming they were not at the crime scenes and had no knowledge of the murders.

A statement from their commanding officer was also submitted.

The prosecution provided a comprehensive affidavit from the investigating officer, arguing that the accused pose a danger to society because of their training with high-caliber firearms intended for eliminating threats.

This affidavit detailed each accused’s connection to the allegations and described attempts to dispose of the vehicle linked to Colonel Mathipa’s murder.

In contrast, the defense reiterated the accused’s claims of non-involvement in the incidents mentioned.

As a result, the court concluded that all the accused were eligible for bail release.

Spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane stated that the National Prosecuting Authority “expressed disappointment over the court’s ruling and has requested a postponement to Thursday, 17 July 2025, for the opportunity to appeal.”