Police documents allege elite soldiers were involved in the killing of Hawks detective Frans Mathipa
South African police detective Lt Col Frans Mathipa was investigating allegations involving the country’s special forces when he was killed in August 2023.
Mathipa, a senior officer with the elite Hawks unit, had spent months trying to obtain evidence linked to the disappearance of Ethiopian national Abdella Abadigga. According to his commanding officer, Mathipa feared his investigation could cost him his life.
Two days after being told that crucial documents would finally be provided, Mathipa was shot dead while driving. His vehicle was later found overturned.
Special forces members charged
Seven members of South Africa’s special forces and a military police officer have since been charged with Mathipa’s murder. They deny the allegations.
Several hundred pages of police and court documents shared with the BBC contain evidence investigators say links special forces personnel and vehicles to the detective’s killing.
Police documents allege that a black BMW which followed Mathipa shortly before his death was registered to Peters Communications Trust, a company allegedly used as a front for South Africa’s special forces.
Tracking information reportedly placed the vehicle near the location where Mathipa was killed. One of its occupants was allegedly identified as Maj Sunnybooi Wambi.
Investigation into Abadigga
Mathipa had been investigating the alleged abduction and killing of Abadigga, who had previously been identified by the United States as an Islamic State recruiter and fundraiser.
According to investigators, Abadigga disappeared in December 2022 alongside his bodyguard, Kadir Abotese.
CCTV footage from Johannesburg’s Mall of Africa showed vehicles allegedly used by suspected kidnappers. Their licence plates were reportedly traced to Peters Communications Trust.
Special forces acknowledged that their soldiers and vehicles were at the shopping centre but said they were participating in a training exercise.
Mathipa later issued a subpoena demanding details about the operation and the personnel involved.
Warning before his death
Brig Paulina Sekgobela, Mathipa’s commanding officer, told the BBC that the detective expressed fears for his safety after being promised access to the documents.
On the day of his death, a man identifying himself as Tebogo reportedly contacted Mathipa and claimed to have information about the case. The two arranged to meet, but the man did not appear.
Police say Mathipa was then followed before being shot while driving.
Trial remains uncertain
Twelve members of the South African military have been arrested in connection with various allegations, including the abduction and murder of Abadigga and Abotese, Mathipa’s murder, fraud and obstruction.
Several accused have had their bail revoked, but the military has reportedly refused to surrender three of them to authorities. Some remain members of the special forces, with one having been promoted.
No trial date has been set, raising concerns over whether the cases will reach court.
The South African army has not responded to questions about whether special forces were responsible for Mathipa’s death.
His family continues to call for justice, while investigators face the difficult task of establishing what happened to the detective and the people he was investigating.
