State Witness Testifies On Accused’s Confession In Usindiso Building Fire Trial

The cross-examination of Johannesburg advocate Ntu Hamilton Moloto, the key state witness in the ongoing Usindiso building fire trial, continued on Thursday in the Johannesburg High Court.

Moloto, who served as the evidence leader at the Khampepe Commission of Inquiry into the devastating fire, provided crucial testimony regarding the confession made by accused.

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Sithembiso Mdlalose, is facing charges related to the tragic incident that claimed 76 lives in 2023.

Moloto’s testimony focused on the conditions under which Mdlalose allegedly confessed to starting the fire during the commission’s proceedings.

Despite claims from Mdlalose’s defense team regarding his mental state, Moloto maintained that the accused appeared composed and was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs when he made the confession.

Mdlalose’s Alleged Confession

The fire that ravaged the Usindiso building in 2023 led to the deaths of 76 individuals, with Mdlalose arrested in January of the following year.

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He faces multiple charges, including 76 counts of murder, one count of arson, and 12 counts of attempted murder.

Mdlalose allegedly confessed to starting the fire during his testimony at the Khampepe Commission of Inquiry, a statement which has become central to the trial.

Moloto testified that during a prior consultation with evidence leaders, Mdlalose broke down, claiming that his earlier statements had been false and that he now wished to tell the truth.

Moloto recalled that Mdlalose expressed frustration, saying that the exercise was futile, and only later did he express his desire to make a truthful confession.

Moloto insisted that the accused appeared calm, composed, and fully aware of his actions at the time.

However, Mdlalose’s defense lawyer, Leonard Cindi, has argued that the accused was severely impaired due to drug addiction and couldn’t not fully understand or control his actions.

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Cindi has raised concerns about Mdlalose’s mental state, claiming that he was not in a position to make coherent decisions at the time of his confession.

Trial Continues

The trial, which is being heard at the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court, continues to unfold, with Moloto’s testimony playing a pivotal role in shaping the case.

The court has yet to rule on the admissibility of Mdlalose’s confession, as his defense team challenges its validity based on allegations of mental instability and substance abuse.

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