By Charmaine Ndlela
The Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg has postponed the delivery of judgment in the trial of alleged Usindiso Building arsonist Lawrance Sithembiso Mdlalose.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Gauteng spokesperson Magaboke Mohlatlole said the presiding judge was occupied with another high court trial, resulting in the postponement on Tuesday.
A new date for the judgment is yet to be announced.
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Mdlalose faces 76 counts of murder, 12 counts of attempted murder and charges of arson and defeating the ends of justice over the fire that engulfed the Usindiso Building in Marshalltown, Johannesburg, on 31 August 2023.
The blaze injured dozens more, making it one of the deadliest building fires in South African history.
According to the State’s case, Mdlalose assaulted another resident, identified as “KB”, during a dispute over money linked to drugs KB had allegedly sold on his behalf.
The state alleges that the assault continued until KB lost consciousness and that Mdlalose mistakenly believed he had died. Mdlalose allegedly bought petrol, returned to the building and set KB alight in an attempt to conceal evidence of the assault.
The fire spread rapidly through the building, trapping residents inside.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi established a commission of inquiry, chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Sisi Khampepe, to investigate the circumstances surrounding the disaster and the conditions that contributed to the high death toll.
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During proceedings before the commission in January 2024, Mdlalose admitted to starting the fire. He was subsequently taken before a magistrate, where his confession was reduced to writing.
The High Court ruled in May 2025 that the written confession was admissible after holding a trial within a trial. Mdlalose later repudiated the admissions and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
