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#KasiBester | Wife denies knowledge of husband’s hidden cash

todayOctober 16, 2024 36

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Alleged insurance killer, Sibusiso Mahlangu, had a staggering R7 000 in his wallet on the day he and his wife, Lerato, allegedly murdered her ex-lover and went into hiding. 

Prosecutor, Vusimuzi Tshabalala, presented this evidence during Lerato’s gruelling cross-examination in the Pretoria High Court. 

Lerato denied any knowledge of the large sum of cash, which sparked questions about whether it was intended to support Sibusiso while he evaded authorities. 

The Mahlangus face life imprisonment for allegedly faking Sibusiso’s death and murdering Lerato’s ex-lover to claim a R500 000 insurance payout. 

The couple is accused of murdering Lerato’s ex-boyfriend, Sibusiso Sithebe, and using his charred remains to fake Mahlangu’s death and claim the life insurance benefits. 

The state alleges that Lerato lured Sithebe to her home on New Year’s Day in 2022, got him intoxicated and burnt his lifeless body.  

Lerato has since admitted to having an affair with the deceased at the time of his passing. 

She falsely identified his charred remains as those of her husband.



The couple was arrested in 2023 after Mahlangu was caught with a stolen car in Hammanskraal, leading to a discovery that raised flags when police found he was registered as a deceased.

State Prosecutor, Tshabalala, accused Lerato of deceiving her in-laws into believing the charred body was Sibusiso’s despite knowing it wasn’t.

In a heartbreaking testimony, Sibusiso’s mother, referred to as Mme Mahlangu, revealed she only believed her son was dead due to Lerato’s false identification. 

In her previous testimony, Mme Mahlangu had testified that due to COVID-19 restrictions, she was only able to view the body through a glass window, relying solely on Lerato’s confirmation.

Meanwhile, other family members have expressed doubts about Lerato’s innocence.

Lerato’s brother, Themba Chande, has also recounted his shocking encounter with Sibusiso, who months after his alleged passing, was found alive and hiding under the alias “Hope Zulu.” 

Chande alleged that Lerato set up the meeting and paid R1 000 for his travel to Soshanguve. 

Claims the 33-year-old firmly denies.

Under intense questioning, Lerato admitted that her family has been divided since Sibusiso’s fake death was exposed and her ex-lover’s murder was discovered. 

Visibly shaken, she blamed her mental health medication for memory lapses.

As the trial continues, more revelations are expected to come to light.

Written by: Naomi Kobbie

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