The alleged arsonist responsible for the Usindiso Building fire, Lawrance Sithembiso Mdlalose, made his first appearance at the High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Division in Johannesburg on Friday, February 14, 2025.
Mdlalose,30, faces charges related to the deaths of 76 occupants and the fatal injury of 12 others in the blaze.
Following the incident, a commission of inquiry was established, during which the accused testified and confessed to the magistrate.
He was subsequently apprehended on 23 January 2024 and charged with 76 counts of murder, one count of arson and 12 counts of attempted murder.
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.
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.
Upon his return, he 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. The aftermath revealed charred and severely injured bodies scattered throughout and around the building.
The case has been adjourned to 21 February 2025 for confirmation of legal representation for the accused and pre-trial proceedings.
