Usindiso building fire: NPA welcomes ruling declaring Mdlalose's confession as admissible

JOHANNESBURG - The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has welcomed the ruling by the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court declaring the confession of alleged Usindiso building arsonist, Sthembiso Mdlalose, as admissible.

Mdlalose suffered a setback in court on Monday after his attempt to have the confession withdrawn was dismissed.

READ: Usindiso building fire: Court rules that Sthembiso Mdlalose's confession can be used as evidence

The 31-year-old confessed in January last year to being responsible for the fire at the Usindiso building, which killed 76 people.

Although Mdlalose claimed he was coerced into making the confession, the court found that it was given freely and voluntarily.

Mdlalose’s hopes of walking free have been squashed, as his confession will now be used as evidence against him in court.

Mdlalose previously told the court that his application to have the confession withdrawn was prompted by his desire to fight for his life and prove his innocence.

But the NPA’s Phindi Mjonondwane said the State was prepared to prove Mdlalose’s guilt even without his confession.

"So now that the confession has been admitted as evidence that we can use in court, we welcome that decision as the NPA, as it serves to boost and strengthen our case even further."

Mdlalose is back in court on Tuesday for the resumption of his trial.