Judgment in Usindiso building fire case expected on Wednesday

The High Court in Johannesburg is expected to deliver judgment in the Usindiso building fire case today (03 June 2026).

The accused, 33-year-old SthembisoMdlalose, admitted to causing the fire at the Usindiso building in the Johannesburg CBD which killed 76 people and injured several others in August 2023.

He faces 76 counts of murder and arson.

Mdlalose initially told the court that he started the fire on the ground floor of the hijacked building, and that he was trying to burn the body of a person he had allegedly murdered. However during the trial, he changed his confession.

He told the court that he was under the influence of drugs when he made that confession.

SABC News Reporter Lopang Alamu is in Johannesburg and joins us live.

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