The alleged arsonist behind the devastating Usindiso Building fire in Johannesburg’s Marshalltown CBD is expected to appear in the Johannesburg High Court today.

According to Rising Sun, Lawrance Sithembiso Mdlalose (30) made his first appearance in the same court last Friday.

He faces charges related to the deaths of 76 occupants and the injury of 12 others in the blaze, which occurred on August 31, 2023. Following the incident, a commission of inquiry was established, during which Mdlalose testified and confessed to the magistrate.

He was arrested on January 23, 2024, and charged with 76 counts of murder, one count of arson, and 12 counts of attempted murder.

According to police investigations led by Colonel Andile Manganyi, Mdlalose, who also lived in the building, was allegedly involved in a violent altercation with a person known as ‘KB’ in a ground-floor room on the day of the fire. KB was assaulted, allegedly by Mdlalose, reportedly over payment for drugs KB had sold on his behalf.

The attack continued until KB became unconscious, prompting Mdlalose to panic, mistakenly believing KB was dead. It is alleged that he then left to buy petrol. Upon returning, he allegedly doused KB’s body and set it alight.

The fire spread, engulfing the building while Mdlalose 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 site.

The matter was last week adjourned to today for confirmation of Mdlalose’s legal representation and pre-trial proceedings.

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