Soshanguve couple that murdered wife’s ex partner for insurance awaits sentencing

The sentencing of a Soshanguve couple, accused of killing a man and attempting to fraudulently claim money from his life policy has been postponed by the Pretoria High Court.

The case was delayed because one accused claimed to be ill.

The couple will now appear in court on January 28 for sentencing.

Sibusiso Mahlangu (34) and Lerato Mahlangu (33) were convicted for premeditated murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and three counts of fraud.

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 spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said the accused were also allowed to consult with the probation officers for their pre-sentencing report.

Mahanjana 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 police and Sithebe’s family,” said Mahanjana.

The fraud was uncovered when Sibusiso Mahlangu was arrested in April last year in possession of a stolen car.

“During the arrest, it was revealed that he had officially been 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 their defence unconvincing.

The sentencing of the Mahlangus was initially set for November 22, but they are set to appear in court on January 28.

“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.

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.