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Emergency services and JMPD at the scene of the Usindiso building fire in Johannesburg on August 31, 2023
The Usindiso building fire trial is expected to continue today in the High Court in Johannesburg sitting in Palm Ridge.
Yesterday, the court heard that drugs did not seem to impair alleged arsonist, Sithembiso Mdlalose when he confessed to causing the fire in which 76 people died in 2023.
Mdlalose’s lawyer argued that his client was under the influence of drugs when he made the alleged confession.
He has pleaded not guilty to all counts of murder, attempted murder and arson.
Court interpreter, Mpho Matsewane explains what happened on the day of alleged confession.
Matsewane says, “The accused person appeared to be of sound and sober senses. However, he appeared to be burned. Added to that, while we were proceeding with the confession, he would respond before I would interpret to him. Which gave the impression that he could comprehend English.”
Related video| Mdlalose contests validity of his confession during Usindiso Building fire trial:
