Marshalltown Building Fire Trial: Accused Pleads Not Guilty Despite Confession

Sthembiso Mdlalose, the 32-year-old accused of starting the deadly fire at a Marshalltown building that killed 76 people in August 2023, has pleaded not guilty to charges of arson, murder, and attempted murder.

Despite confessing to starting the fire during a commission of inquiry, Mdlalose stated his plea during the trial at the Gauteng High Court in Palm Ridge Magistrates Court.

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Judge Warns Of Life Imprisonment

Judge Cassim Moosa informed Mdlalose that if convicted on all counts of murder, he would face life imprisonment.

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The judge emphasized that the court would proceed with the trial, and Mdlalose’s legal representative had indicated that they would not divulge their defense at this stage.

Trial To Continue

The trial is set to continue, with the state expected to call its first batch of witnesses to testify.

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Mdlalose’s confession had claimed that the fire was started to cover up a murder, but he allegedly did not expect it to spread and cause such devastating loss of life.

The court’s decision will depend on the evidence presented during the trial.

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