Alleged Usindiso Building Arsonist Retracts Confession, Claims He Lied For Shelter

Sthembiso Mdlalose, accused of starting the deadly Usindiso building fire in August 2023, has retracted his confession, telling the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court that he never set the blaze. The fire claimed 76 lives, making it one of South Africa’s most devastating tragedies.

Mdlalose had previously admitted responsibility, but now insists his statement was fabricated. He explained that he confessed because he was homeless and believed imprisonment would at least provide him with a roof over his head.

Court Hears Why He Waited to Speak Out

During cross-examination on Wednesday, Mdlalose admitted he did not want to remain in custody based on what he now says was a false confession. He told the court he had been biding his time before revealing the truth.

“I wanted to find the right way to put this matter on the table. There were a lot of questions and a lot of people were confused, but I wanted the right time and place. So I just wanted the right words to use,” he said.

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The Usindiso building blaze left everyone who saw it with a terrible experience, with survivors and families of victims demanding accountability. Mdlalose’s sudden reversal has added another layer of complexity to the case.

As proceedings continue, the court will need to assess Mdlalose’s latest claims against his earlier confession to determine what exactly is the truth.

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