Nick Norman-Butler

An investigation by BBC Eye reports documentary and witness evidence linking members of South Africa’s Special Forces to the abduction and suspected killing of Ethiopian national Abdella Abadigga, an alleged Islamic State financier, and to the 2023 murder of police investigator Lieutenant Colonel Frans Mathipa. Vehicles connected to a covert military company allegedly appeared at both incidents, while police records reportedly place Major Sunnybooi Wambi at the relevant scenes. Mathipa was killed shortly after seeking documents related to the Abadigga investigation and warning that he might be targeted. Twelve soldiers have been charged with offenses including abduction, murder, fraud and obstructing investigations, but they deny the allegations; some have refused to surrender after bail was revoked, and no trial date has been set. The case has raised concerns about military impunity and the potential misuse of state power in South Africa.