Grim Crime Unfolds: Couple Lures Victim, Stages Death, and Cashes in on Fraudulent Claims
A Chilling Scheme in Soshanguve
A Soshanguve couple, Sibusiso Mahlangu (34) and Lerato Mahlangu (33), were convicted of premeditated murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and three counts of fraud by the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria. The couple’s heinous plot involved the murder of Lerato’s former lover, Sibusiso Sithebe, staging his death, and claiming over R500,000 in insurance payouts.
The Tragic Chain of Events
The crime occurred on January 2, 2022, when the Mahlangu couple lured Sithebe to their home in Soshanguve. They murdered him and staged the crime scene, dressing his body in Sibusiso Mahlangu’s clothing, placing his wedding ring on Sithebe’s finger, and burning his body in their house. Lerato then pretended to discover the tragedy, feigning innocence by claiming she was returning from Kwa-Mhlanga, Mpumalanga.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana revealed that Lerato falsely identified the victim as her husband and later submitted three fraudulent insurance claims to Old Mutual, where she worked as a sales consultant. These included:
- R500,000 for a life cover
- R25,000 for a funeral cover
- R50,000 for a death benefit
Unravelling the Crime
The couple’s crimes came to light a year later when Sibusiso was arrested on April 18, 2023, in Hammanskraal for possession of a stolen vehicle. During the arrest, authorities discovered he had been officially declared dead. Lerato was apprehended two days later.
The trial, led by advocate Vusumuzi Tshabalala, included testimony from credible witnesses, including Sithebe’s grieving mother. She described how pandemic restrictions limited the family from closely viewing the body, which had been identified by Lerato.
Judge Papi Masopa ruled that the State’s circumstantial evidence and witnesses were sufficient to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Sentencing Awaits
The couple, who pleaded not guilty, were found guilty on November 19, 2024. Provisional sentencing is set for November 22, 2024, leaving Soshanguve residents awaiting the outcome of this grim saga.
Also read: Man Sentenced to Life for Killing Girlfriend Over Spent Lobola Money
