Justice has prevailed for the murder of Sergeant Vutula, after the Western Cape High Court in Cape Town sentenced 26-year-old Thabo Ndevu to life behind bars. Ndevu was handed multiple life sentences for the brutal killing of a police officer and a civilian in Mfuleni on 06 June 2021. The sentence was confirmed on 06 November 2025.
“Sergeant Vutula served his community with courage.”
Justice has prevailed for the murder of Sergeant Vutula
Sentencing Breakdown:
- Count 1: Murder of a SAPS member – Life Imprisonment
- Count 2: Murder of a civilian – Life Imprisonment
- Counts 3 & 4: Attempted murder – 10 years’ imprisonment
- Count 5: Unlawful possession of a firearm – 8 years’ imprisonment
- Count 6: Unlawful possession of ammunition – 5 years’ imprisonment
In total, Ndevu will serve 73 years of direct imprisonment. This ensures that he will not return to society to cause further harm. He has also been declared unfit to possess a firearm.
Background of the Case
The sentencing follows a thorough investigation into the June 2021 shooting in Mfuleni. Police responded to a murder scene where two men were found shot inside a vehicle. One victim died at the scene, while the second – later identified as Sergeant Vutula from Philippi-East SAPS – succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. Two additional occupants of the vehicle survived the attack.
The case was meticulously investigated by the Hawks’ National Priority Violent Crime Unit, whose intelligence-led work led to Ndevu’s arrest and conviction on all charges.
Commitment to Protecting Police and the Public
Acting Provincial Head of the Hawks, Brigadier Ramovha, has welcomed the sentence. He has praised the collaboration between the Hawks and the National Prosecuting Authority. He emphasised that attacks on police officers are attacks on the entire justice system. Brigadier Ramovha says the sentencing sends a clear message that those who harm law enforcement will face the full might of the law.
“This sentence for the murder of Sergeant Vutula ensures that his sacrifice was not in vain.”
