On 11 July 2025, the Randburg Magistrate’s Court granted R10 000 bail each to twelve South African National Defence Force officials. They are embroiled in a murderous scandal.
Lieutenant Colonel Frans Mathipa was gunned down on 6 August 2023. According to law enforcement, the shooting was an alleged plot by the 12 SANDF members. At the time of the incident, Mathipa was driving on the N1 highway near Hammanskraal.
According to Hawks spokesperson, Katlego Mogale, the shooting caused Mathipa to lose control of his vehicle. He veered into a ditch and it resulted in his subsequent death.
THE FACES BEHIND THE CRIME
An investigation into Mathipa’s death led the Hawks to Sunnybooi Pinny Wambi, Edward Albert van Deventer, David Mogaditswe, Kgosietsile Letsatsi, Samkelo Ngwenya and Jonathan Nteleza.
Mogale said Paulos Matlou, Herbert Mashego, Solomon Lechoenyo, Jacob Mokoena, Richard Mpoetsi and Olyn Lenardus were also implicated.
Lieutenant Colonel Mathipa was on duty when he was killed. He was a member of the Gauteng Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit of the Hawks. He was tasked with investigating crimes against the state.
SANDF TWELVE ACCUSED OF OTHER CRIMES
“The accused are also allegedly linked to a case of kidnapping of two male foreign nationals at a mall in Midrand on 29 December 202,” Mogale continued.
While the twelve celebrate temporary relief, Mogale has warned that it will be only for a week as they are due back in court next Thursday.
Following the granting of bail, the Magistrate postponed the case to 17 July 2025, for the state to appeal the bail judgement.
DO THE HAWKS HAVE CAPACITY TO INVESTIGATE THE SANDF?
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