Alleged Usindiso arsonist says he took the rap to secure shelter in prison

JOHANNESBURG - The man accused of torching the Usindiso building in Johannesburg CBD claims he lied about starting the fire, saying he did so out of desperation from being homeless.

On Wednesday, Sthembiso Mdlalose told the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court that he believed taking the fall for the blaze would secure him shelter in prison.

The 32-year-old is currently on trial, facing charges of murder, attempted murder and arson.

He was arrested last year after admitting to being behind the deadly fire that claimed the lives of 76 people.

Mdlalose moved into the hijacked Usindiso building in 2022 after years of homelessness and struggling with a drug addiction.

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He claims hislife on the streets led him to sell drugs for a Tanzanian drug lord and to him leading an unfulfilling life.

Mdlalose said when the building caught fire, he decided to take the blame, hoping to find shelter in prison, which he casually called a “government hotel”.

“I never killed anyone. Sometimes I ask myself how good was I that I was able to convince the magistrate.”

But now that he’s been in custody for over a year, he said he’s chosen to come clean and tell the country that his confession was a lie.

He said it recently dawned on him that he can’t suffer for a crime he claims he didn’t commit.

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• Man accused of torching Usindiso building claims he doesn’t know how fire started