Proceedings in trial of self-confessed Usindiso building arsonist get underway
S’thembiso Mdlalose who admitted to starting the deadly fire appeared in court for his first day of trial on Tuesday.
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 - Trial proceedings for the self-confessed Usindiso arsonist have commenced in the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court, with the man expected to make his plea on Tuesday afternoon.
It’s been almost two years since the five-storey hijacked building was gutted by a raging fire that killed more than 70 people and left many more injured.
Thirty-one-year-old S’thembiso Mdlalose, who admitted to starting the fire, appeared in court for his first day of trial on Tuesday.
State prosecutor Thami Mpekane read out the names of all 76 people who tragically lost their lives in the blaze.
"Count five, on the day and date mentioned in count five, the accused did unlawfully and intentionally kill Cecilia Labken. Count six, the accused did unlawfully and intentionally kill an unknown person."
The 31-year-old self-confessed arsonist entered the courtroom dock, with heavy chains tightly bound around his ankles.
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) April 22, 2025
It’s the first day of his trial. Mdlalose is facing 76 counts of murder, 86 of attempted murder and arson. @JusstAlpha pic.twitter.com/jnLLfvmJvt