Xolani Ndabezitha, 29, was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment on 11 February 2026 for the murder of Sergeant Joseph Kutu.
The Mpumalanga High Court in Middelburg handed down the sentence after Ndabezitha pleaded guilty.
Sgt Kutu, 43, was attached to the Witbank Tactical Response Team. He was killed in July 2021.
According to the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit in Middelburg, Sgt Kutu had returned from deployment to his home in Vosman, Emalahleni. His wife, Patricia Kutu, was not present. She later arrived and parked the vehicle in the garage.
Patricia Kutu allegedly entered the house with two suspects. The suspects opened fire. Sgt Kutu died from his wounds in hospital.
The investigation established that Patricia Kutu, Ndabezitha, and Bonginkosi Langa conspired to commit the murder. Two service firearms, a handgun and a rifle, were recovered.
All three accused were arrested and denied bail. Patricia Kutu appealed and was released on R10,000 bail.
The matter was scheduled for 9 February 2026 but was postponed to 11 February 2026 due to legal representation challenges.
Ndabezitha pleaded guilty on 11 February 2026 and received a 15-year sentence.
Langa has indicated his intention to plead guilty. His matter is postponed to 18 February 2026.
Patricia Kutu is expected to appear in court on 17 January 2028.