The trial of Sithembiso (Lawrance) Mdlalose, the man accused of causing the Usindiso building fire in Johannesburg that killed 76 people, has been delayed again.
Sithembiso Mdlalose reverses confession
Proceedings will resume on 15 October 2025 after Mdlalose dramatically walked out of court during his cross-examination.
Mdlalose, who previously confessed to starting the fire, told the court this week that he had lied. He claimed his earlier statements were made while he was under the influence of drugs and desperate for food and shelter.
“At the time I confessed to the crime, I was high. I’m currently sober and confident about what I’m saying. I have lied, and I know citizens deserve the truth about what happened,” Mdlalose said.
The accused explained that he thought going to prison would give him “a second chance” and allow him to rebuild his life.
When prosecutor Thami Mpekana pressed him on inconsistencies, Mdlalose mocked the questioning, saying:
“If the court won’t take it from my mouth that I was not in the building nor lived there at the time of the fire, and would rather believe my other visionary story, I can create it.”
Before leaving the stand, he added:
“If you are a prophet, that version is true. I don’t know now if you are a prophet or a prosecutor.”
Judge Cassim Moosa then postponed the trial, saying it was in the interest of justice given Mdlalose’s mental state.
Usindiso trial: Where things stand now
Mdlalose is facing 76 counts of murder, 12 counts of attempted murder, and one count of arson. The charges stem from the August 2023 fire at the Usindiso building in central Johannesburg, where dozens of families were trapped in unsafe living conditions.
The case has already been complicated by his shifting stories. In January 2024, he stunned the Usindiso Inquiry by openly admitting he caused the fire. Later, a court ruled that his confession was admissible, saying it was made “freely and voluntarily.”
But now, Mdlalose insists he fabricated the confession under the influence of drugs.
His father, Bheki Khumalo, expressed disappointment, saying his son “was never homeless” and had family to support him. He called for a psychological evaluation, pointing to his son’s courtroom outbursts.
Despite his retraction, prosecutors remain confident. They believe Mdlalose was present in the building on the day of the blaze and argue his confession should still stand.
The trial will resume on 15 October 2025, when the court will continue hearing evidence and cross-examination.
The families of the victims, who have been waiting for justice for over two years, will now have to endure yet another delay.