Sergeant Joseph Kutu , who was attached to the Witbank Tactical Response Team was shot and killed in an event which is alleged to have been ochestrated by his wife Patricia Kutu in July 2021.
According to SAPS Mpumalanga, an investigation into the orchestrated hit that cut short the life of 43-year-old , is nearing an end as one accused was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment in a judgment handed down by the Mpumalanga High Court sitting in Middelburg.
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.
The matter was set to proceed on 09 February 2026, but was postponed to 11 February 2026, due to legal representation challenges.
On 11 February 2026, Xolani Ndabezitha (29) pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment.
One of his co-accused, Bonginkosi Langa, also indicated his intention to plead guilty. Langa’s matter was postponed to 18 February 2026.
The deceased’s wife is expected to appear before court on 17 January 2028.