Did he or didn't he?
That's the question on everyone's lips following the surprising events at the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court on 7 March 2024.
Sithembiso Lawrence Mdlalose, the man who confessed to starting the fire that resulted in the deaths of 76 people at the Usindiso Building in Marhsalltown has made a new, contradictory statement.
Read more | He was a straight-A student, say loved ones of man ‘behind’ Marshalltown fire
Sithembiso confessed to starting the fire and at the building at the commission of inquiry, however, after his last appearance at court, his confession seems to have changed.
He is facing a count of arson, 76 counts of murder, and 86 of attempted murder.
During his confession at the inquiry, he claimed that while he was high on drugs, he strangled someone to death who was also a resident at the building.
Addressing journalists on 6 March 2024, Sithembiso's father told journalists that his son has now denied causing the fire.
“As a family, we never thought that one day we would be in court for something like this. He left home to live in the streets of Joburg and now he is involved in this tragedy, we are still processing this, but I believe he is in prison. He won’t have access to drugs, you can tell he is bathing and eating he starting to look much better. I am glad he is safe, that doesn’t erase the fact that a lot of people died,” said Sithembiso's father.
Read more | Marshalltown fire | Man faces 76 murder charges
“Our client has made another statement which is contradictory to his initial confession. He was previously ill-advised because he did not have a legal representative. There are still outstanding investigations on the matter,” confirmed Sithembiso's legal representative, Advocate Dumisani Mabunda.
The matter has been postponed for further probes.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane says, as the State, they are dutybound to ensure that all outstanding investigations are completed, which is why they requested a further postponement to conclude outstanding investigations so that the matter can proceed to the next stage.
