Mapaballo Borotho and Kaya News

Twelve members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), accused of murder and kidnapping, believe the state lacks a strong case against them.
The group appeared before the Randburg Magistrate’s Court for a bail bid on Tuesday, 01 July 2025. They are facing 12 charges, including three counts of murder, fraud, kidnapping, and lying under oath.
The soldiers were arrested in June for their alleged involvement in the tragic murder of Hawks investigator, Lieutenant Colonel Ngwako Mathipa, in 2023.
Mathipa was killed while investigating the alleged involvement of the SANDF special armed forces in the abduction of two foreign nationals at the Mall of Africa.
During the court proceedings on Tuesday, the 12 men submitted that the State’s evidence and arguments are insufficient to prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
They told the packed courtroom that they cannot evade trial and approach the witnesses if they are released on bail.
Their bail application has been postponed to Thursday, 03 July 2025.
This is a developing story, for updates, follow @KayaNews on X
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