Case against Usindiso building self-confessed arsonist postponed
Sthembiso Mdlalose appeared in the Johannesburg High Court on Friday morning, facing 76 counts of murder and 86 of attempted murder.
Sthembiso Mdlalose, the man who admitted to setting the Usindiso Building on fire that killed 76 people in court on 14 February 2024. Picture: Sphamandla Dlamini / Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - The criminal case against the self-confessed Usindiso building arsonist has been postponed to 21 February 2025.
Sthembiso Mdlalose appeared in the Johannesburg High Court on Friday morning, facing 76 counts of murder and 86 of attempted murder.
In 2024, Mdlalose confessed to setting the five-storey Usindiso building on fire in August 2023, claiming the lives of 76 people.
The 31-year-old briefly appeared in the Johannesburg High Court for a pre-trial conference.
However, after his pro bono legal team withdrew from the case in 2024, he was left without representation.
Presiding Judge Richard Mkhabela directed the Legal Aid division to ensure that Mdlalose had a legal team before his next court appearance.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Phindi Mjonondwane: "If legal has already appointed a legal representative for him by next week Friday, then the matter will sit for a pre-trial conference where both parties will state their readiness in terms of moving forward to the next stage."
Judge Mkhabela expressed disappointment over further delays in the case, urging Legal Aid to expedite the process of securing a lawyer for Mdlalose.
Sthembiso Mdlalose, the man who admitted to setting the Usindiso Building on fire that killed 76 people, is back in court.
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) February 14, 2025
Mdlalose allegedly set alight the five-story hijacked building while trying to burn the body of a man he claims to have strangled to death. @JusstAlpha pic.twitter.com/rtTYjYYqq0