Johannesburg – Alleged arsonist 30-year-old Lawrance Sithembiso Mdlalose accused of setting alight the Usindiso Building fire which led to the deaths of 76 occupants, made his first appearance at the High Court in Johannesburg.
Mdlalose, who faces multiple charges related to the deaths, appeared briefly in court on Friday, (14 February 2025).
However, the accused did not have legal representation resulting in the matter being adjourned to 21 February 2025.
Recalling events following the horror incident, National Prosecuting Authority Gauteng Spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said a commission of inquiry was established.
During the inquiry, the accused testified before a magistrate and confessed his role in starting the fire.
“Mdlalose was subsequently apprehended on 23 January 2024 and charged with 76 counts of murder, one count of arson, and 12 counts of attempted murder,” said Mjonondwane.
A police investigation led by Colonel Andile Manganyi revealed the events leading to a devastating fire at the building, resulting in 76 fatalities and 12 injuries.
“The accused, a resident of the building, was allegedly involved in a violent altercation with a person known as KB in a ground-floor room on 31 August 2023,” said Mjonondwane.
“He allegedly assaulted KB, seeking payment for drugs KB had sold on his behalf.
“The attack persisted until KB became unconscious, prompting the accused to panic, mistakenly believing KB was dead.”
The accused then left to purchase petrol and allegedly doused KB’s body and ignited it.
The fire spread, engulfing the building while the accused stood outside pretending to be innocent.
“Occupants screamed for help, with some jumping from the building,” lamented Phindi Mjonondwane.
“The aftermath revealed charred and severely injured bodies scattered throughout and around the building.”
