SANDF Accused of Shielding Operatives in Hawks Officer Murder

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) faces allegations of shielding six special forces operatives whose bail was revoked following the August 2023 assassination of Hawks Lt-Col Frans Mathipa. Mathipa had previously identified these operatives as the individuals responsible for the December 2022 abduction of Abdella Abadiga.

Critics argue that the military's refusal to hand over the suspects, coupled with the promotion of two accused members, undermines state authority. The controversy extends to the leadership of the organization, as General Rudzani Maphwanya is accused of making unauthorized statements during a visit to Iran. Maphwanya also allegedly disregarded orders to exclude the Iranian warship Naghdi from the 'Will for Peace' naval exercise.

President Cyril Ramaphosa and the defence minister have declined to comment on the case.