Bail application of 12 murder accused SANDF members underway in court

CAPE TOWN - The bail application for 12 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members is currently underway at the Randburg Magistrates Court.

The group face a dozen charges including murder, kidnapping and theft. 

They were arrested in June in connection with the murder of Hawks’ investigator, Frans Mathipa, almost two years ago. 

Mathipa was assassinated in August 2023 while investigating the alleged involvement of the SANDF special armed forces in the abduction of two foreign nationals. 

The 12 accused appeared for a second time in court with their faces almost completely covered. 

Other than their role in the SANDF special armed forces, the court has ruled that their identities will remain concealed pending an identity parade. 

In addition to murder and kidnapping, they are also accused of theft, fraud and making false statements. 

It's alleged the accused acted in common purpose in Mathipa's murder, who was believed to be on his way to a meeting with the special armed forces amid a probe into their conduct. 

Mathipa wanted answers about why the armed forces were at the Mall of Africa in Midrand when an alleged ISIS funder and his bodyguard were kidnapped from the mall’s parking lot. 

Proceedings are continuing.