EMALAHLENI -This judgment was hailed by many, including the MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Vusi Shongwe, as a victory for all the men and women in blue and the family of the slain officer.

The 28-year-old Patricia Mabojane Kutu was implicated in the murder of Sgt Joseph Christopher Kutu, who was attached to the SAPS TRT in eMalahleni, and fatally shot in his home on July 24, 2021.

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She was arrested alongside two other suspects linked to Kutu’s killing last year, Xolani Peter Ndabezitha and Vincent Bonginkosi Langa. Patricia had worked as a court interpreter. She had made her formal bail appearance on Thursday January 6, and the judgement was delivered on Tuesday January 11.

Outside court, community members braved rainy weather as they sang struggle songs, opposing the bail for the suspect.

“This is certainly good news and we welcome the judgment with open arms. This is proof enough that our courts are also as tired as we are about the ongoing murders of our police officials,” said Shongwe after the ruling. He had earlier praised the police and the investigating team for their prompt movements and handling of the case.

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During formal proceedings, the court heard how Patricia had allegedly hired hitmen to kill her husband. Evidence led by the state revealed that Patricia was allegedly charged R35 000 by a hired hitman to kill him, and that she had also given him her deceased husband’s service guns as part of the payment. The case continues on February 11.