The case against a Soshanguve man and his wife accused of a murder plot to fake his death has been postponed to the 18th of May for a formal bail application.
The couple, 33-year-old Sibusiso Mahlangu and 32-year-old Lerato Mahlangu, appeared at the Soshanguve Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
The case was on the roll for a formal bail application, but the court heard that the accused, who are currently represented by Legal Aid, want new lawyers.
Charges
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said the duo are facing charges of premeditated murder, defeating the administration of justice and fraud.
“It is alleged that on 02 January 2022, the couple killed a man and burnt the body of the deceased at their house in Block HH, Soshanguve.
“Thereafter, it is further alleged that the wife Lerato, obtained a fraudulent death certificate from the Department of Home Affairs, claiming that her husband Sibusiso, died in the fire and later claimed life policies.
ALSO READ: Thabo Bester: Nandipha Magudumana and co-accused remanded in custody as bail hearing postponed
Arrest
Mahanjana added that the couple were arrested on 20 April 2023, after the husband was found in possession of a stolen car in Hammanskraal.
“Upon his arrest and processing, it was discovered that he was registered as deceased, and will be appearing on 29 May 2023, for the matter at Hammanskraal Magistrates’ Court.
“However, for the murder case, the matter was remanded to 18 May 2023, for a formal bail application,” Mahanjana said.
Man sentenced for rape
Meanwhile, a 47-year-old man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for raping his friend’s niece in September 2020.
The rapist appeared in the Madadeni Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, where the sentence was handed down.
The girl, who was 12 years old at the time of the offence, was raped in September.
NPA spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara said the little girl was returning home after borrowing a school book from her friend when she met the man.
ALSO READ: Man sentenced to life for raping friend’s 12-year-old niece
