Soshanguve killer couple back in court

Convicted killer-couple, Lerato and Sibusiso Mahlangu, return to the Pretoria High Court this morning for pre-sentencing proceedings. 

In November, the pair were convicted for orchestrating the brutal murder of Lerato’s ex-partner and father of her child, Sibusiso Sithebe. 

The couple, found guilty of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and fraud, will argue for leniency before the court determines their final sentence.

The Mahlangus’ crime was part of a plan to stage a fake death and claim over half a million rand in an insurance payout. 

Together, they lured Sithebe to their home in January 2022; got him intoxicated, and ultimately burnt him alive. 

His body was discovered charred beyond recognition in the couple’s home. 

In an explosive twist in the case, Sibusiso previously took to the stand confessing to the killing of Sithebe. 

He’s insisted he acted alone, despite the state’s evidence that the couple worked together to lure Sithebe to their home. 

The prosecution has suggested that Lerato’s participation in the crime was driven by financial gain, alleging she helped her husband stage his own death and evade capture for over a year.

In April 2023, Mahlangu was eventually arrested in Hammanskraal after spending more than a year on the run. 

During the pre-sentencing hearing, Lerato is expected to take the stand once more, attempting to convince the court why she should receive a lenient sentence. 

Court proceedings were delayed yesterday due to a power failure at court.