Two SANDF Soldiers Arrested For Alleged Murder Of Hawks Officer

Two members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) have been arrested in connection with the 2023 murder of a senior Hawks officer, Lieutenant Colonel Frans Mathipa. The arrests were made on Sunday night during a joint operation by the Hawks’ Johannesburg branch and tactical units.

The suspects, aged 36 and 51, were apprehended at two separate locations — one at OR Tambo International Airport and the other in Centurion.

“During the operation, police also seized a vehicle belonging to the 36-year-old suspect. It has since been impounded for further forensic investigation,” confirmed Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Singo.

Both suspects are due to appear in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday, where they are expected to face charges of murder and kidnapping.

Link to Hawks Officer’s 2023 Assassination

The arrests are linked to the killing of Lieutenant Colonel Frans Mathipa, a Hawks investigator who served in the Crime Against the State division. Mathipa was fatally shot on August 6, 2023, while driving along the N1 highway near Hammanskraal.

“Following the shooting, Mathipa’s vehicle lost control and veered into a ditch,” said Singo.

Authorities believe the attack was a planned hit. Investigations into the motive and possible accomplices are ongoing.

One of the suspects is also allegedly involved in a separate case — the December 2022 kidnapping of two foreign nationals at a Midrand mall. That incident remains under review as investigators examine potential connections between the two cases.

Violent Weekend for SANDF as Another Tragedy Unfolds

The arrests come amid another disturbing incident involving SANDF personnel. On Saturday, two SANDF soldiers were stabbed to death at the Macadamia military base in Komatipoort, Mpumalanga. A fellow soldier is believed to be responsible for the attack.

“The circumstances surrounding the incident remain the subject of ongoing inquiry, and further details will be communicated once officially verified,” said SANDF spokesperson Prince Tshabalala.

“We appeal to the public and media to allow the investigative processes to unfold without speculation and to respect the dignity and privacy of the affected families during this difficult time,” he added.

These back-to-back incidents have raised serious concerns about discipline and internal accountability within the armed forces. Authorities have not ruled out further arrests as investigations continue.

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