Soshanguve couple found guilty of killing wife’s ex-lover & claimed over R500K! In a chilling case that has gripped the community of Soshanguve, a married couple, Sibusiso and Lerato Mahlangu, have been found guilty of the premeditated murder of Lerato’s ex-boyfriend, Sibusiso Sithebe.
The North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria delivered its verdict on Tuesday, convicting the pair on charges of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and multiple counts of fraud.
A Gruesome Plan Unfolds
The crime, described as both calculated and heinous, took place on January 2, 2022. According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana, the couple lured Sithebe to their home in Soshanguve under false pretenses.
There, they killed him and staged a scene to make it appear as though Sithebe was Sibusiso Mahlangu.
To complete the deception, they dressed Sithebe in Mahlangu’s clothes and placed his wedding ring on the deceased’s finger. They then set the body alight inside the house, leaving little evidence behind.
Insurance Fraud Scheme
Lerato Mahlangu, 33, who worked as a sales consultant for Old Mutual, used the staged death to file three fraudulent insurance claims. She falsely identified the burnt body as that of her husband and claimed:
- R500,000 for life insurance,
- R25,000 for funeral cover, and
- R50,000 as a death benefit.
To support her story, Lerato pretended to have been away in Kwa-Mhlanga, Mpumalanga, at the time of the fire. She maintained the charade when speaking to police and during interactions with insurance companies.
How the Truth Unraveled
The couple managed to evade justice for over a year. However, their scheme began to crumble in April 2023 when Sibusiso Mahlangu, 34, was arrested in Hammanskraal for possession of a stolen vehicle. During routine processing, authorities discovered a shocking twist—Mahlangu was officially registered as deceased.
This discovery led to the swift arrest of Lerato Mahlangu two days later. The unraveling of their plan highlighted the lengths to which they had gone to profit from Sithebe’s death.
Compelling Evidence Presented in Court
Despite the couple pleading not guilty, the State, led by Advocate Vusumuzi Tshabalala, presented overwhelming circumstantial evidence. Witnesses, including Sithebe’s mother, provided critical testimony.
She recounted the events surrounding her son’s funeral and noted that the family was unable to view the body closely due to COVID-19 restrictions, further complicating their ability to confirm the identity of the deceased.
Judge Papi Masopa praised the credibility of the State’s witnesses, emphasizing that the circumstantial evidence was strong enough to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt.
Impact of the Crime
The crime shocked both the Soshanguve community and the nation at large, not only because of its brutality but also due to the betrayal and deceit involved. The victim, Sibusiso Sithebe, had a child with Lerato from a previous relationship, making the act even more devastating for those close to him.
Awaiting Sentencing
The court has postponed sentencing to November 22, 2024, leaving time for further deliberations on the appropriate punishment for the convicted couple.
Given the severity of their crimes, which include premeditated murder and fraud amounting to over half a million rand, they are expected to face substantial penalties.
A Chilling Reminder of Human Greed
The Mahlangu case serves as a stark reminder of how greed and deception can drive individuals to commit unimaginable acts. While justice has been served, the tragedy leaves behind a trail of pain for the victim’s family and raises broader questions about the abuse of insurance systems in South Africa.
As the sentencing date approaches, the focus remains on ensuring the punishment reflects the gravity of their actions. For now, the verdict brings some closure to a harrowing chapter in the lives of those affected.
In other news – DJ Sbu fired for criticizing a street vendor for not selling Mofaya
South African entrepreneur and media personality Sibusiso “DJ Sbu” Leope, co-founder of Mofaya energy drink, issued an apology following criticism over his recent interaction with a street vendor.
In a viral video, DJ Sbu chastised the vendor for not stocking Mofaya, withdrawing an offer of R200 in what many perceived as a humiliating moment for the vendor. The video, which quickly circulated online, shows DJ Sbu engaging with a street vendor selling various drinks. Read More
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