After storming out of court, Usindiso building fire arson accused claims he's 'mentally drained'

The man accused of setting fire to the Usindiso building in Johannesburg’s CBD said he is mentally drained and lacks the strength to continue with court proceedings.

On Wednesday, Sthembiso Mdlalose stormed out of the courtroom while being questioned about contradictions in his testimony.

The 32-year-old is on trial at the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court, facing 76 charges, including murder, attempted murder, and arson. His alleged role in starting the fire emerged after he confessed to the crime, which he now claims was false.

Last year, Sthembiso Mdlalose confessed that he set fire to the Usindiso building after pouring petrol on the body of a man he killed.

Last week, he told the court that this was a lie, claiming he made it up to get arrested so thathe could be provided shelter in prison.

During cross-examination on Wednesday, Mdlalose changed his story again, saying that some details in his testimony from last week were also false.

After storming out of the courtroom and into the holding cells, his lawyer Leonard Cindi said his client was mentally exhausted.

"I have spoken to Mr. Mdlalose. He indicated that he is mentally drained today and doesn't want to proceed today. He asked if this matter can kindly be postponed to another date for him to continue with his testimony."

Mdlalose will return to court in October.

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