“Dead” man caught alive in shocking Soshanguve insurance scam

The family of Sibusiso Mahlangu, who faked his own death to claim life insurance benefits, was stunned to discover he was alive during a prison visit.

Mahlangu and his wife, Lerato, face premeditated murder and fraud charges for allegedly faking his death by killing Lerato’s ex-lover, Sibusiso Sithebe, and using his body as a decoy.

The couple was arrested in April last year after Mahlangu was caught with a stolen car, leading police to discover he was registered as deceased.

The couple had allegedly staged his death at an RDP house in Soshanguve, setting it on fire after a family function.

Elizabeth Mahlangu, the accused’s sister, testified in court – becoming emotional as she described seeing her brother alive for the first time since his supposed death.

Despite her questions, her brother provided no meaningful explanations.

The Mahlangus allegedly claimed R500 000 from their life insurer.

Meanwhile, Sithebe’s family, who had to exhume their loved one’s body after it was wrongly identified and buried, say it’s not right that he lost his life due to greed.

His sister, Linah, has questioned why the couple shows no remorse for their alleged actions after the duo pleaded not guilty to the charges levelled against them.

The trial continues in the Pretoria High Court. Written by Naomi Kobbie