Self-confessed Usindiso building arsonist back in court to set bail hearing date
Sthembiso Mdlalose admitted before the commission of inquiry into the Marshalltown fire that he was behind the blaze that killed 76 people and displaced many more in August 2023.
FILE: The Usindiso building in Johannesburg following a deadly fire in August 2023. Picture: Jacques Nelles/Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - The man who allegedly set the Usindiso building on fire, resulting in the deaths of 76 people, is back in court to set a date for his bail hearing.
Sthembiso Mdlalose admitted before the commission of inquiry into the Marshalltown fire that he was behind the blaze that made international headlines in August 2023.
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He was arrested moments after he made a second admission to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and made his first court appearance last week.
Mdlalose broke down in tears when he told the Marshalltown fire inquiry that the incident had been haunting him since the day of the blaze, as he claimed he was the man behind the inferno.
He scratched his ruffled hair and used his hands to wipe away tears running down his face moments before he told the inquiry that he often prayed that God punished him.
While the fire has been described as one of South Africa's biggest tragedies, this is how it has impacted people who survived the blaze.
“We had to jump out of the building to save our lives. My two-year-old child and his father were badly injured as a result of this. They couldn't walk for two weeks.”
The inquiry is still hearing oral evidence from victims of the Marshalltown fire.
Meanwhile, Gauteng Human Settlements MEC Lebogang Maile said the provincial government was actively addressing the hijacking of buildings in Johannesburg’s inner city.
Speaking to Eyewitness News in Ekurhuleni on Wednesday, Maile insisted that his department would ensure there wouldn't be a repeat of the Marshalltown fire.
“Where we own buildings, we will take responsibility. We know where those buildings are. We are putting measures in place to prevent and not to wait for people to invade.
“But those who have invaded, we will definitely be approaching the courts. In certain instances, we already have court orders, and we will be acting against them.”