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A firefighter works at the scene of a deadly fire which occurred in the early hours of the morning in Johannesburg, South Africa, August 31, 2023.
The case against the alleged arsonist in the Usindiso building fire Sithembiso Lawrence Mdlalose has been postponed to Tuesday, next week.
Mdlalose appeared in the High Court sitting in Palm Ridge East of Johannesburg where his trial was scheduled to start on Monday. However, is lawyer asked for more time to consult and study the docket as he’s new to the case.
The August 2023 Usindiso fire, in Marshalltown Johannesburg, claimed the lives of 76 people, mostly foreign nationals. Many others were injured.
In the wake of the deadly blaze, a Commission of Inquiry was set up to investigate. And it was at one of the Commission’s hearings that Mdlalose allegedly confessed to starting the devastating fire and was subsequently arrested. He is due to stand trial, but his lawyer, Leonard Cindi has asked for more time.
“My Lord I would like to ask for a postponement. The reason behind is that I was only instructed with regard to this matter in the afternoon on Friday. I have not had enough time to consult with the accused and currently I’m waiting for the context of the docket. Hence, I’m asking for a postponement to properly consult and for me to prepare for the trial” Cindi says.
Mdlalose is charged with 76 counts of murder. Presiding Judge Cassim Moosa pleaded with Mdlalose to be of assistance to his lawyer as he is facing serious charges.
“Your legal representative is going to come see you in prison. Please make sure you take your time and consult properly. Give him all instructions that you think are important for your defence for this trial. And we shall see you next week Tuesday on the 22nd. Thank you.”
