Alleged arsonist apologises in confession to all those affected by Usindiso building fire
Sthembiso Mdlalose, who is facing murder and arson charges in connection with the fire that killed 76 people, is standing trial at the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court.
Self-confessed Usindiso Building Arsonist Sthembiso Mdlalose standing trial at the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on 23 April 2025. Picture: Alpha Ramushwana/EWN
JOHANNESBURG - Despite claiming he was coerced into taking the blame for the Usindiso building fire, the alleged arsonist apologised to all those affected by the blaze in his confession statement.
Sthembiso Mdlalose, who is facing murder and arson charges in connection with the fire that killed 76 people, is standing trial at the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court.
A State witness read out his confession statement on Tuesday, in which Mdlalose described how he ignited the fire and expressed deep remorse for his actions.
The witness is Pieter du Plesis, who is the magistrate who took down Mdlalose’s confession in January last year.
READ: Alleged Usindiso building fire arsonist claims he was threatened by drug lord to confess
Mdlalose’s confession, read aloud by Magistrate Du Plessis in court on Tuesday, was filled with expressions of remorse and regret.
However, the confession sharply contradicted his statements from the past two weeks, during which he insisted he was coerced into taking responsibility for the deadly fire.
Mdlalose explained in his confession that he could no longer live with the guilt of knowing that 76 people died in a fire he allegedly started.
"I know it will not bring the deceased back, but it will give me some solace to apologise, find peace in my heart and lift the burden as it weighs heavily on me."
This is the same confession Mdlalose tried to retract in court, claiming he was not in his sober mind when he admitted to the crime.