Twelve members of the South African National Defence Force’ (SANDF) Special Forces including a front company of the Special Forces of the SANDF, made their first appearance before the Randburg Magistrates’ Court on allegations of kidnapping, murder, fraud, obstructing the administration of justice, making a false statement under oath and theft of a motor vehicle.
Two of the accused were apprehended on 22 June 2025, during a joint operation by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), while the remaining accused surrendered to authorities this morning. Their charges stem from the alleged kidnapping of Abdella Hussain Abadiga and Kadir Jemal Abotese at the Mall of Africa on 29 December 2022. The two were allegedly forced into a motor vehicle and taken to Zwartkop Military Base. Their whereabouts remain unknown to date, and the accused are also charged with the murders of the two victims that were kidnapped by members of the SANDF.
Lieutenant Colonel Frans Mathipa of the Hawks met his demise whilst driving to Hammanskraal on the N1 Highway on 06 August 2023, where he was assassinated by an occupant from a SANDF vehicle that was following him. On the said day, Mathipa was following leads into the kidnapping syndicate operated by some members of the SANDF.
Phindi Mjonondane NPA Regional Spokesperson- Gauteng Division, Johannesburg said the case was postponed to 01 July 2025 for a formal bail application, and the accused remain in custody.