Police have confirmed the arrest of two individuals in connection with the murder of Hawks investigator Frans Mathipa, who was assassinated in August 2023 while probing alleged criminal activities involving elite members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
Mathipa was investigating the abduction of an Ethiopian businessman, Abdullah Abadiga, and his bodyguard from the Mall of Africa in late 2022. The abduction was reportedly carried out by SANDF Special Forces operatives, and Mathipa had been pursuing their cellphone records and vehicle movements before his death.
A Military-Style Assassination
Mathipa was shot in the head while driving on the N1 highway in what has been described as a professional hit requiring military-level training.
Hennie van Vuuren, founding director of Open Secrets, a nonprofit investigating state corruption, revealed that Mathipa had been targeting Colonel Sunny Boy Pinywi, a Special Forces member linked to the abduction and an alleged torture squad within the SANDF.
“There’s strong evidence pointing to torture and murder within these elite units,” Van Vuuren stated. “The silence from the presidency and defense ministry has been deafening.”
Alleged Cover-Up and Political Entanglements
Van Vuuren accused top military officials, including SANDF Chief General Rudzani Maphwanya, of attempting to block investigations and discredit Open Secrets after they exposed the allegations.
The case has also raised questions about the SANDF’s involvement in other covert operations, including the controversial docking of the Russian vessel Lady R in Simon’s Town, which was allegedly used to smuggle weapons. The same vehicles linked to Abadiga’s abduction were spotted near the ship weeks earlier.
Calls for Accountability
With the arrests, pressure is mounting on President Cyril Ramaphosa and Defence Minister Angie Motshekga to address the alleged military criminal network.
“The president must explain why there’s been no action on these grave allegations,” Van Vuuren said. “If the SANDF is involved in assassinations and torture, it’s a crisis for South Africa’s democracy.”
The Hawks’ Crimes Against the State unit is leading the prosecution, which could become one of the most high-profile cases in recent years.
What’s Next?
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The identities of the two suspects remain undisclosed, but one is reportedly 36 years old—the same age as Colonel Pinywi.
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The case may expose deeper military-political corruption, including possible protection from top officials.
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Open Secrets has demanded the release of a long-suppressed SANDF torture inquiry report.
As the investigation unfolds, South Africans await answers on whether justice will prevail—or if powerful forces will continue to bury the truth.