Usindiso Fire: Arson trial resumes as survivors prepare to testify

THE trial of the man accused of igniting the deadly fire at the Usindiso building in the Johannesburg CBD resumed on June 2 at the Palm Ridge Magistrate's Court, with more witnesses expected to take the stand.

- SIFISO MAHLANGU

Sthembiso Mdlalose, who previously admitted to starting the blaze, faces multiple charges including murder, attempted murder, and arson.

The fire, which tore through the five-storey building in August 2023, claimed the lives of more than 70 people and left dozens injured.

The tragedy shocked the nation and highlighted the dangers posed by unsafe, hijacked buildings in the inner city. Mdlalose’s trial, which began earlier this year, has already featured explosive testimony and the reading of his confession. In the statement, Madlalose claimed that the fire was not intended to kill others.

According to his account, he had allegedly killed a man on the ground floor of the building and set the body alight to destroy evidence.