Chilling details emerge in trial of couple accused of burning man alive

The Pretoria High Court has heard the harrowing details of how Sibusiso Sithebe was burnt alive, allegedly at the hands of his ex-lover Lerato and her husband, Sibusiso Mahlangu.

The young man’s life was tragically cut short in a house fire in Soshanguve in 2022, where he was allegedly lured to his death.

He had been rendered unconscious, doused in petrol, and burnt alive.

The Mahlangus are on trial for murder and fraud charges, accused of orchestrating the tragedy to claim a R500 000 insurance payout.

Forensic pathologist, Rebecca Mashia, testified that Sithebe’s body was burnt beyond recognition, with high levels of alcohol in his system.

Neighbour Josephine Mashwene, one of the first people to respond to the scene, revealed that there were no signs of a fire in the bedroom where Sithebe’s charred body was found, suggesting tampering.

As the trial continues, a forensic investigator from Old Mutual is set to testify, shedding light on the truth behind the couple’s alleged fraud.

Lerato used to work at the investment, savings, insurance, and banking group. Written by Naomi Kobbie