Johannesburg – Twelve South African Defence Force (SANDF) members accused of the murders of Hawks investigator Lieutenant Colonel Frans Mathipa and two other people have been granted bail of R10 000 each by the Randburg Magistrate’s Court.
The accused are 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 all face serious charges, including three counts of murder, as well as charges of kidnapping, fraud, obstructing the administration of justice, making false statements under oath, and theft of a motor vehicle.
The charges emanate from the alleged kidnapping of Abdella Hussain Abadiga and Kadir Jemal Abotese, who were abducted and allegedly taken to Zwartkop Military Base, with their whereabouts still unknown.
Abadiga and Abotese were allegedly kidnapped at the Mall of Africa, Midrand by the SANDF members on 29 December 2022.
The accused also face charges related to the assassination of Lieutenant Colonel Mathipa, who was seized with investigating the kidnapping of Abadiga and Abatise.
Mathipa was killed on 6 August 2023, while driving on the N1 Highway by occupants using a SANDF vehicle.
During the bail hearing on Friday, 11 July 2025, the defence counsels presented affidavits from the accused, claiming they were not present at the scenes of the stated incidents and knew nothing about the murders.
A statement from their commander was also presented.
The prosecution presented a comprehensive affidavit from the investigating officer, stating that the accused are a danger to society as they are trained in using high-calibre firearms to eliminate any threat.
His affidavit further detailed how each accused was linked to the allegations and how the accused allegedly attempted to get rid of the vehicle linked to the murder of Colonel Mathipa.
However, the defence counsels presented affidavits from the accused, claiming they were not present at the scenes of the incidents and knew nothing about the murders.
As a result, the court found that all the accused were suitable candidates to be released on bail.
Spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said the National Prosecuting Authority “noted the court’s ruling with disappointment and has requested a postponement to Thursday, 17 July 2025, for leave to appeal”.
