The sentencing of Lerato and Sibusiso Mahlangu, convicted of the gruesome murder of Lerato’s lover, Sibusiso Sithebe, has been delayed.
Killer couple sentencing postponed: Here’s why
The Pretoria High Court was set to determine their fate, but the hearing was postponed until 12 March 2025 due to the absence of Lerato’s legal counsel.
The couple, found guilty in November 2024, orchestrated the brutal murder of Sithebe in a twisted insurance fraud scheme.
Their conviction included charges of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and fraud.
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Despite the overwhelming evidence against them, Lerato was expected to argue for a lighter sentence—an opportunity she will now only get in two weeks’ time.
Sibusiso, who has already confessed to the murder, previously told the court he forced Lerato to participate in the crime, claiming she had no choice but to comply.
However, the Sithebe family vehemently rejected this defence, arguing that Lerato played an active role in planning the murder.
How Lerato and Sibusiso Mahlangu killed Sithebe
At the time of the murder, Lerato was in a relationship with both her husband, Sibusiso Mahlangu, and her former partner, Sibusiso Sithebe.
The couple hatched a plot to kill Sithebe so they could cash in on an insurance payout, with Mahlangu faking his own death to make the scheme work.
Lerato lured Sithebe to their home in Soshanguve in January 2022, where he was murdered and his body set alight inside the house.
She then identified the burnt remains as her husband’s and successfully claimed R575,000 from an insurance policy.
The money was quickly spent. The couple bought a new car worth R150,000, while a portion was saved for Lerato and Sithebe’s 12-year-old daughter—who is now in the care of her grandmother.
Meanwhile, Mahlangu went into hiding for over a year, avoiding authorities until their scheme fell apart in April 2023.
Their deception unravelled when police at a roadblock discovered that Mahlangu had been registered as deceased.
The case quickly spiralled into a murder investigation, leading to their eventual arrest and conviction.
During the trial, Mahlangu made a dramatic confession, admitting to killing Sithebe and apologising to his family.
He claimed he had forced Lerato to participate, threatening her life if she refused.
“I take full responsibility. I am the one who committed the crime, and I am really sorry to the family of Sithebe,” he told the court.
However, Sithebe’s brother, Xolani, dismissed this version of events, insisting that Lerato was deeply involved in the planning.
He also believes that more people were involved in the murder and has called for further investigations into the crime.
As the couple awaits sentencing, their parole officers have recommended a life sentence, arguing that the premeditated nature of the crime and their deceitful actions warrant the harshest punishment possible.
The final ruling will now be delivered next month when Lerato is expected to take the stand in a last-ditch effort to avoid life in prison.
