Alleged Usindiso building arsonist says he's embarrassed for falsely claiming responsibility for fire

JOHANNESBURG - Alleged Usindiso building arsonist, Sthembiso Mdlalose, said that the only crime he committed was lying under oath about what he now calls his false confession to starting the deadly inferno.

Although he previously admitted to setting the blaze that killed 76 people in August 2023, Mdlalose claims he was coerced into taking the blame.

The 32-year-old is standing trial at the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on charges of arson, murder, and attempted murder.

Speaking from the witness stand on Wednesday, Mdlalose said he was embarrassed for falsely claiming responsibility for the fire.

"I just want South Africa to know that I never had a hand in the lives of those people that died or the fire. I just found myself alone in the deep end and the only way of survival was to do what I did."