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Firefighters work at the scene of a deadly blaze, at the Usindiso Building in Johannesburg on 31 August 2025.
The case against Sthembiso Mdlalose, who is accused of setting alight the Usindiso building in Johannesburg’s CBD, has been postponed to November.
Mdlalose’s lawyer was not present in court due to a family bereavement.
Mdlalose appeared briefly before the High Court sitting at the Palm Ridge Magistrates’ Court.
He was arrested after 76 people died in the blaze in 2023.
Presiding Judge Cassim Moosa ordered that Mdlalose remain in custody pending his next court appearance.
“Your counsel is not here today due to the fact that the court has been informed that his father has passed on. So, he’s unfortunately not in court today. Therefore, your matter is postponed back to the High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Division, Johannesburg, sitting here at the Magistrates’ Court Palm Ridge to the 5th of November 2025. You shall remain in custody until then.”
Meanwhile, survivors of the fire gathered outside the on the 31st of August this year to commemorate those who lost their lives.
The survivors called for justice, saying that they want the recommendations of the Khampepe Commission of Enquiry in to the blaze to implemented.
