Lerato Mahlangu (33) confessed in court to her deadly affairs that led to Sibusiso Setebe’s murder. Photo by Keletso Mkhwanazi
THE sentencing of Sibusiso Mahlangu (34) and his wife Lerato Mahlangu (33) reached its final stages on Wednesday, 29 January, in the North Gauteng High Court.
Lerato, the second accused, took the stand to deliver her final remarks before Judge Papi Mosopa handed down his verdict.
The couple, who maintained their innocence throughout the trial, were found guilty of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and fraud in connection with the death of Sibusiso Sitebe, Lerato’s ex-boyfriend and father of her child.
In a shocking turn of events, Sibusiso Mahlangu confessed to killing Sitebe, burning his body, faking his own death, and burying him under his identity to claim an insurance payout of R575 000 on Tuesday, 28 January.
This after they were both found guilty of the crimes in November 2024. Lerato Mahlangu’s defence counsel, Lidile Mahlangu, led her in exposing a series of abuse, including emotional, psychological, financial, and physical abuse.
Lerato revealed that she got married to Mahlangu at a young age and that, within a year, he refused to have a child with her.
“I secretly stopped preventing, and when I became pregnant, Sibusiso forced me to abort the child. He said I was selfish and was not thinking about the other daughters they had since they were looking for a bigger place to live with all of them as a big family,” she said.
She further testified that Mahlangu convinced her to agree to an abortion even after a medical facility refused to perform the procedure due to the advanced stage of her pregnancy.
“Sibusiso obtained pills that ultimately led to my abortion. The first attempt failed, and the second time I collapsed at home, became unconscious, and was hospitalised for a month. Unfortunately, the child did not survive,” she said.
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Lerato further revealed that their marriage was open, with Sibusiso pimping her out to other men since she was not sexually satisfied with him alone.
Judge Papi Mosopa interrupted her testimony, asking if she was sure she wasn’t imagining things and if her family knew about the arrangement.
Lerato responded that she didn’t tell anyone about the arrangement due to Sibusiso’s emotional blackmail.
“I started seeing someone after the abortion incident because I was different, I wanted to explore,” she said.
Lerato’s testimony led to her breaking down in tears, prompting Judge Mosopa to stand down on the matter to allow her to compose herself.
The case has sparked widespread outrage, especially after the bombshell confession by the husband, with many calling for justice for the victim and his family. The sentencing is expected to be handed down soon, with many hoping for a severe punishment for their heinous crimes.
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