State set to cross-examine accused in Usindiso building fire trial

The trial of the accused Usindiso building arsonist resumes at the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court on Wednesday afternoon, with the State expected to cross-examine him.

Thirty-two-year-old Sthembiso Mdlalose faces 76 counts of murder, attempted murder and arson.

The charges relate to the deadly Usindiso building fire in Johannesburg’s CBD in August 2023, which claimed 76 lives.

Although he was arrested after confessing to igniting the blaze, Mdlalose now insists his confession was false.

Mdlalose took the stand last week, telling the court that everything in his confession statement was a lie.

He claimed he falsely confessed to starting the deadly blaze because he was tired of being homeless and believed he would be better off in prison.

This version differs from his earlier testimony, where he said he was high on drugs and under duress when he admitted to the crime.

The State is expected to cross-examine Mdlalose, focusing on his changing accounts of how his confession came about.

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