ZiMoja updates on the latest crime news in parts of the country.
GAUTENG: A Soshanguve couple who murdered the woman's ex, burnt his body inside their house and claimed insurance payouts were found guilty by the Pretoria High Court yesterday. Sibusiso Mahlangu (34) and his wife Lerato Mahlangu (33) were found guilty of premeditated murder, defeating the ends of justice and three counts of fraud. On 2 January 2022, the couple killed Sibusiso Sithebe, who is also Lerato's baby daddy and put the husband's wedding ring on his finger before burning him beyond recognition at their house in Soshanguve. Lerato later identified the body as that of her husband through the wedding ring, 'buried' him and later claimed insurance payouts worth R575 000. The couple pleaded not guilty to the charges and denied involvement in the crimes. However, the state presented compelling evidence and called witnesses, including Sibusiso Mahlangu's mother, who testified that they were unable to view the body at close range because of Covid-19 regulations, which reinforced their belief that indeed they were burying her son. In his judgment, Judge Papi Masopa found that though the state relied on circumstantial evidence, it was able to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt. The case has been postponed to 22 November 2024 for a provisional sentencing date.
WESTERN CAPE: A 14-year-old was shot and killed while two other teenagers aged 15 and 17 were injured while on their way to school yesterday morning. It's alleged that the learners were shot when two gunmen randomly opened fire near Ravensmead High School. According to the police, a few metres from the scene where the learners were shot, a 55-year-old man was also shot and injured. The man and the injured learners were taken to a local medical facility for treatment. The police have opened a murder and attempted murder docket and a manhunt for the suspects has since been launched The police said additional officers have been deployed to stabilise the area. The motive for the shooting is currently unknown and forms part of ongoing investigations to determine if the two incidents are related.
MPUMALANGA: A 46-year-old suspect handed himself over to the police in Mhala in Bushbuckridge on Monday night after he allegedly shot his 54-year-old brother at their home in Buyisonto Trust on Sunday. Brigadier Donald Mdhluli said, according to information, the brother shot his sibling without any provocation or argument. "The suspect just shot his brother point blank and then fled the scene on foot. The matter was reported to the authorities and upon arrival, the male victim was certified dead," Mdhluli said. The motive for the killing is unknown and the police said it will form part of the investigation. When handing himself over to the police, the suspect also brought a firearm with him, which the police believe could have been the one used during the shooting incident. The suspect is facing a charge of murder and is expected to appear at the Bushbuckridge Magistrate's Court today.
