Trial of Soshanguve couple accused of insurance fraud, murder to continue

JOHANNESBURG – A Soshanguve couple’s insurance fraud and murder trial resumes on Wednesday, with a witness from Old Mutual expected to take the stand.
 
Sibusiso and Lerato Mahlangu are accused of setting their RDP home alight, burning to death Lerato’s ex-partner and later passing his remains off as Sibusiso’s.
 
All this as part of an elaborate plot to cash in on his life insurance.
 
The couple was arrested last April, and the trial got underway last week when they both pleaded not guilty.
 
It has been moving at pace so far, with the State already having called around ten witnesses.
 
A police officer who attended the scene of the fire and started testifying on Tuesday is set to continue on Wednesday.
 
Once he’s wrapped up, the State is expected to call a witness from Old Mutual.
 
According to the indictment, Lerato claimed some R575,000 in death and funeral benefits for Sibusiso from Old Mutual.