Usindiso building fire's self-confessed arsonist contesting his confession

JOHANNESBURG - The man who previously confessed to starting the fire at the Usindiso building in the Johannesburg CBD is now contesting his confession, claiming it was not made voluntarily.

Thirty-one-year-old S’thembiso Mdlalose is standing trial at the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court, for his alleged involvement in the fire that killed 76 people almost two years ago.

His legal team announced on Tuesday that it was challenging the validity of the confession, claiming the alleged arsonist was under duress when he admitted to the crime.
 
In a surprising turn of events, Mdlalose pleaded not guilty to all 90 charges against him, including arson, murder, attempted murder, and obstructing the course of justice.
 
He told the court that he was not in a stable mental state when he was called to testify at the inquiry, leading to his initial confession, which he’s now challenging.
 
In 2024, Mdlalose told the inquiry he had been struggling with drug addiction at the time and admitted he was under the influence when he allegedly set the building on fire.
 
It’s on this basis that his legal representative, Advocate Leonard Cindi, is challenging the confession.
 
“The contents contained in his statement are not what he intended to tell the magistrate when he made the confession.”
 
The defence also argues that Mdlalose was acting under duress from an alleged drug kingpin he was working for when he made the confession.
 
According to the Criminal Procedure Act, a confession that is not made freely and voluntarily is inadmissible in court.