Soshanguve couple that murdered wife’s ex-partner in insurance fraud case await sentencing
The sentencing of the Mahlangus was initially set for November 22 but has now been postponed to January 27 and 25.
The Pretoria High Court has postponed the sentencing of Sibusiso Mahlangu (34) and Lerato Mahlangu (33), a Soshanguve couple convicted of premeditated murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and three counts of fraud, to January 27 and 28 next year.
This comes after the couple was found guilty of orchestrating an elaborate insurance fraud scheme that involved the brutal murder of Lerato’s former partner, Sibusiso Sithebe, in January 2022.
National Prosecuting Authority Regional spokesperson Lumka Mahanjan said Judge Papi Masopa delivered the conviction on the strength of circumstantial evidence, finding the state had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt.
It appears that the Mahlangus lured Sithebe to their home in Soshanguve, murdered him, and staged the scene to pass the victim off as Sibusiso Mahlangu.
“The accused dressed Sithebe in Mahlangu’s clothes, placed Mahlangu’s wedding ring on his finger, and set the body on fire inside their house.
Lerato then falsely identified the charred body as that of her husband, deceiving both the police and Sithebe’s family,” said Mahanjana.
The fraud was uncovered when Sibusiso Mahlangu was arrested in April last year for possessing a stolen car.
“During the arrest, it was revealed that he had been officially registered as deceased, leading to the unravelling of the entire scheme.
Following the murder, Lerato Mahlangu, who worked as a sales consultant at Old Mutual, submitted fraudulent insurance claims amounting to R575 000 in life, funeral, and death benefits,” said Mahanjana.
The couple had planned to profit from the claims, but their plan fell apart as police pieced together the evidence.
“During the trial, the State, represented by Advocate Vusumuzi Tshabalala, presented damning evidence and credible witness testimony, including that of Sibusiso Mahlangu’s mother.
She recounted how her family was unable to closely view the body at the funeral due to Covid-19 restrictions, reinforcing their belief that they were burying her son.”
Mahanjana said although the couple denied any involvement in the crimes and pleaded not guilty, the judge found the defence unconvincing.
The sentencing of the Mahlangus was initially set for November 22 but has now been postponed to January 27 and 25, 2025.
“This conviction is a significant step in delivering justice for the family of the deceased, and we remain committed to ensuring that those who commit such heinous crimes are held accountable,” said Mahanjana.
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