Another hitman has been sentenced to life imprisonment for murder of police officer.
43-year old Sergeant Joseph Kutu who was attached to Witbank Tactical Response Team lost his life in Vosman, Emalahleni, in Mpumalanga shot and killed in an event which is alleged to have been ochestrated by his wife Patricia Kutu in July 2021.
Accused number three, Xolani Ndabezitha was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by Mpumalanga Division of the High Court sitting in Middelburg on 11 February 2026 after he pleaded guilty on all charges.
On 18 February 2026 (Wednesday) accused number two, Bonginkosi Langa, pleaded guilty on all charges and was sentenced by the same court to 20 years imprisonment.
Five years were suspended for five years on condition that he is not found guilty of similar offence. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.
The reports suggest that Kutu was coming back from deployment when he met his untimely death.
It was established through the investigation that upon his arrival at home in Vosman, Emalahleni, his wife was not at home.
The deceased’s wife, Patricia Kutu, later arrived and parked the vehicle in the garage. She allegedly entered the house with two suspects who opened fire. Kutu succumbed to his wounds shortly thereafter in hospital.
The docket was handed over to the Hawks Middelburg-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit.
The investigation led to the arrest of two accused linked to the gruesome murder, and two service firearms, a handgun and a rifle, were recovered.
An intense investigation further led to the arrest of Sgt Kutu’s wife, as the trio conspired to commit murder.
Since the accused were arrested, they were denied bail. Kutu’s wife appealed and was later released on R10 000.00 bail.
Her next court appearance is scheduled for 17 January 2028.