Two South African National Defence Force (SANDF) officials, aged 36 and 51, were arrested on Sunday, 22 June 2025, in connection with the murder of Lieutenant Colonel Frans Mathipa, a dedicated officer with the Hawks’ Crimes Against the State section, and the kidnapping of two foreign nationals.
The suspects were apprehended in two separate locations: at OR Tambo International Airport and in Centurion, Pretoria. Their arrests were made by a coordinated operation led by the Johannesburg-based Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit, Headquarters Serious Organised Crime Investigation, and Tactical Operations Management Section (TOMS).
The investigation leading to these arrests began after the tragic death of Lieutenant Colonel Frans Mathipa on 6 August 2023. Mathipa, who was conducting an active investigation for the Hawks at the time of his death, was fatally shot while driving on the N1 highway near Hammanskraal. After being struck, his vehicle lost control and veered into a ditch, ultimately leading to his death. Lieutenant Colonel Mathipa's death shocked the law enforcement community, with many acknowledging his tireless efforts in the fight against organised crime.
Hawks Spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Singo, expressed his condolences and the profound impact Mathipa's death had on the organisation:
“Lieutenant Colonel Mathipa was not only an exceptional officer but a true patriot. His loss is felt deeply by all of us at the Hawks. His commitment to upholding justice will never be forgotten. We are determined to ensure that those responsible for his death face the full extent of the law,” said Singo
As part of the operation, law enforcement officials also seized a vehicle belonging to one of the suspects. This vehicle, a key piece of evidence, is alleged to have been used in the kidnapping of two foreign nationals at a mall in Midrand on 29 December 2022. The victims were forcibly taken in an abduction orchestrated by a criminal group operating in the area. The vehicle has been impounded and will undergo further forensic analysis to shed more light on the broader criminal activities the suspects may have been involved in.
"We are working tirelessly to connect the dots between the various criminal activities linked to these suspects. The kidnapping case, along with Lieutenant Colonel Mathipa’s murder, highlights the ongoing fight against both organised crime and corruption within our ranks. These arrests send a strong message that no one is above the law,” explained Singo
Both suspects are scheduled to appear before the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 23 June 2025, where they will face charges of murder and kidnapping. The Hawks, alongside their law enforcement partners, are confident that the evidence gathered will result in a conviction.
Singo also emphasized the Hawks’ commitment to ensuring the integrity of the investigation:
"We remain committed to the pursuit of justice. These arrests are just the beginning. We will leave no stone unturned as we continue to investigate the full extent of the criminal activities these individuals were involved in,” stated Singo
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