Alleged Usindiso arsonist apologises, admits to lying about starting fire

JOHANNESBURG - The man accused of setting the deadly fire at the Usindiso building, Sthembiso Mdlalose, has apologised to South Africans, stating that he lied about starting the blaze.

Mdlalose told the Palm Ridge Magistrate's Court on Wednesday that he fabricated the story because he was tired of being homeless and wanted shelter in prison. The August 2023 fire in the Johannesburg CBD building claimed the lives of 76 people.

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The 32-year-old faces 76 counts of murder, as well as charges of attempted murder and arson.

Presiding Judge Cassim Moosa began proceedings on Wednesday by informing Mdlalose of the potential consequences if he was convicted.

"Ordinarily, if a person is convicted on all 76 counts of murder, that individual will face the reasonable possibility of life imprisonment on each count."

Upon being informed of this, Mdlalose told the court that he had lied about everything.

"I’m apologising for using an unforeseen circumstance like this one to attain my personal ambition, knowing very well that there are people who lost their lives. I never started any fire and I don’t know anything about it," he said.

Mdlalose will return to court next Wednesday, where the State will cross-examine him on his testimony.