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By Palesa Matlala
- Sthembiso Mdlalose first confessed twice to starting the deadly Johannesburg fire before later claiming he lied to get shelter and food in prison.
- Survivors of the Usindiso fire told the court they were trapped inside the burning building and had to jump from windows to escape thick smoke.
The Palm Ridge Magistrates Court is expected to deliver judgment in the case of Sthembiso Mdlalose, who is accused of starting the deadly Usindiso building fire in Johannesburg.
The fire tore through the hijacked five storey building in Marshalltown in August 2023 and killed 76 people. It was one of South Africa’s deadliest urban fires.
Mdlalose, who is 33 years old, admitted in January 2024 that he started the blaze on the ground floor of the building.
At the time, he told investigators he had tried to burn the body of a man he claimed he had killed.
Mdlalose confessed twice to starting the fire. The first confession was made before the commission of inquiry investigating the tragedy. The second was made to a magistrate.
But during the trial, he changed his story several times.
He later claimed he was under the influence of drugs when he confessed. He also told the court that a Tanzanian drug dealer forced him to falsely admit to starting the fire.
Mdlalose then changed his version again and said he lied because he wanted to be arrested.
“The truth is, I made this confession so that I can get arrested,” he told the court.
“I wanted to escape being on the street and shelterless. I thought prison would give me a second chance because I’ve seen people go to prison and come back with degrees.”
During cross examination by the State, Mdlalose became angry and walked out of the courtroom before returning to the holding cells.
Survivors of the fire gave emotional testimony during the trial. Some said exits were blocked while thick smoke filled the building. Others said people jumped from windows to escape the flames.
Mdlalose faces 76 counts of murder, 12 counts of attempted murder and one count of arson.
Pictured above: Sthembiso Mdlalose during his court appearance in the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court.
Image source: File photo
