Applauding the Hawks for Major Breakthrough in Murder and Kidnapping Case

MEDIA STATEMENT

Johannesburg, South Africa, Sunday, 22 June 2025 - Public Interest SA commends the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks, for their decisive action and significant breakthrough in apprehending two suspects implicated in the murder of Lieutenant Colonel Frans Mathipa and a separate kidnapping case involving foreign nationals.

The successful arrest of two South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members, aged 36 and 51, on Sunday, 22 June 2025, at OR Tambo International Airport and in Centurion, respectively, represents a critical victory in the ongoing struggle against organised crime and the subversion of justice from within state institutions. The suspects are expected to appear before the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 23 June 2025.

Lieutenant Colonel Mathipa, a senior officer attached to the Hawks’ Crimes Against the State unit, was assassinated in August 2023 while on duty near Hammanskraal. His murder sent shockwaves throughout the law enforcement community and wider society. That members of the military may have played a role in such a brazen crime was both deeply troubling and a call to action.

Public Interest SA recognises and applauds the unwavering determination, investigative rigour, and operational precision demonstrated by the Hawks, particularly the Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit and the Tactical Operations Management Section, in pursuing justice in this complex and high-stakes matter. Their commitment to following the evidence, regardless of the stature or institutional affiliation of the suspects, sends a powerful message: no one is above the law.

"This breakthrough reinforces the importance of supporting and resourcing independent investigative bodies to ensure they are equipped to confront threats to national integrity and the rule of law, including those originating from within the state itself. We also welcome the forensic analysis of material evidence, including the vehicle seized in connection with the 2022 Midrand kidnapping, as a testament to the meticulous and thorough nature of the investigation," says Tebogo Khaas, Chairperson of Public Interest SA.

Public Interest SA continues to call for institutional vigilance, enhanced inter-agency collaboration, and urgent reforms to strengthen the culture of accountability across the country’s security structures. We also reiterate our call for the Ministry of Defence to cooperate fully with investigative authorities and to initiate parallel internal disciplinary proceedings where warranted.

We stand in solidarity with the family of Lieutenant Colonel Mathipa and the broader law enforcement community in their pursuit of justice. This milestone in the investigation is a meaningful step toward restoring public trust and affirming that accountability remains non-negotiable in a constitutional democracy.

Update:

Public Interest SA notes with grave concern the developments disclosed in court earlier today. Ten additional individuals have been arrested and charged in connection with the 2023 murder of Lieutenant Colonel Ngwako Frans Mathipa. All 12 individuals arrested thus far are confirmed to be members of the South African National Defence Force. These latest arrests bring the total number of accused SANDF personnel to 12.

The two initially arrested suspects were due to appear in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday, but the proceedings were delayed after the State revealed in open court that a further 10 suspects had voluntarily handed themselves over. These developments mark a significant escalation in the case and further underline the gravity of the breach within the military ranks.

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