Sthembiso Mdlalose, the man accused of setting the Usindiso building alight, briefly returned to the Gauteng High Court, sitting at the Palm Ridge Court, where his matter was postponed to November 5 due to the unavailability of his legal counsel.

During his appearance on Tuesday, Mdlalose revealed that he was yet to receive medical attention after reportedly falling ill following his last court appearance.

According to the State, Mdlalose’s legal counsel could not make it to court due to a family bereavement, so the matter was postponed to next month.

Last month, Mdlalose broke down in court after he changed his version of events, denying his earlier confession that he is responsible for the arson that killed 76 people at the Usindiso Building in August 2023.

The 32-year-old also lashed out at prosecutor Thami Mpekana, as he questioned him on his inconsistent testimony.

During the session on Tuesday, Judge Cassim Moosa took a moment to inquire about the defendant’s well-being, asking, “Mr Mdlalose, how are you feeling today? I hope you are feeling better today. Have you received any medical treatment yet?”

To which Mdlalose replied, “I am not feeling well, my Lord. I have not received any medical attention. Even today, I am not feeling well.”

“Your council is not here today since his father has passed away. As a result, your matter has been postponed to November 5. You are to remain in custody, and you shall remain in custody until then. Please inform prison officials to afford you medical attention, as this has been endorsed by this court,” Judge Moosa said.

Mdlalose faces multiple counts of murder, attempted murder, and arson in connection with allegedly setting fire to the building owned by the Johannesburg Property Company (JPC).

At the Usindiso Commission of Inquiry last year, headed by retired judge Justice Sisi Khampepe, Mdlalose initially admitted to starting the fire, leading to his arrest.

However, when the trial began, Mdlalose claimed that the confession was forced out of him, while later giving another version that he only confessed to the fire because of poverty and shelter.

The former mathematics tutor told the court that he only confessed to the arson incident because he wanted to avoid a life on the street, adding that when he looks back at his life, he feels bad.

When questioned about his inconsistent statements, Mdlalose stormed out of the courtroom, and later apologised, saying: “I want to apologise for disrespecting the house. I want to apologise for my behaviour and for having walked out of this court. As I said, when you are fighting for your life, one is forced to undergo an emotional journey.”

siyabonga.sithole@inl.co.za.

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