Rédaction Africa Links 24 with sabcnews.com
Published on 2024-02-01 12:40:00
The alleged arsonist of the Usindiso building, Sithembiso Lawrence Mdlalose, decided to abandon his bail application in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court. The case has been postponed to March for further investigation. The fire that occurred in August last year claimed the lives of 76 people. Mdlalose is facing 76 counts of murder, 86 counts of attempted murder, and one of arson. He made a brief appearance in court before the matter was postponed.
Mdlalose admitted to starting the fire while testifying in camera before the Commission of Inquiry into the deadly fire. His lawyer, Dumisani Mabunda, stated, “The matter was postponed to 6 March for further investigation. It is postponed at the request of the state. They have to get J88 reports and other reports of people who passed on in the building. There is a commission matter which is completely different to a criminal case. My interest and focus is what he says in this particular criminal case.
There are still 11 postmortem reports pending, as well as 30 doctors reports of some of the burned bodies. NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane mentioned, “We have indicated in court that amongst the outstanding investigations that must be concluded, we are still awaiting a few results of the postmortem of the people that were deceased on the day. We have also given instructions to the SAPS to conduct a pointing out with the accused person, as well as the Doctor’s reports in the form of J88.”
The commission into the fire continues with new witnesses coming forward. A Tanzanian national, Peter Mbwambo, is currently testifying before the commission in Johannesburg. He recounted the chaotic scenes on the night of the fire, as residents scrambled for their lives. Mbwambo stated, “Before I could get out, I could see the fire and people getting out. I could also hear people saying we are dying, please open for us, so I could hear them as I was getting out. When I was outside, I also managed to hear people exit the building and we were looking at the fire and people as they were jumping out of the building.”
The tragic events of the fire have left a lasting impact on the community as they grapple with the loss of loved ones and the trauma of the events. The ongoing investigations and testimonies from witnesses shed light on the severity of the incident and the impact it had on the lives of many. As the case continues to unfold, it is essential to seek justice for the victims and their families. The postponement of the bail application allows for further investigation to be conducted, ensuring that all aspects of the case are thoroughly examined. The Commission of Inquiry serves as a platform for witnesses to share their experiences and provide crucial information in understanding the events leading up to the fire, and its aftermath. The involvement of law enforcement agencies and the NPA indicates a commitment to holding those responsible accountable for their actions. The outcomes of the investigations and testimonies will play a significant role in the pursuit of justice and closure for the affected individuals and the community as a whole.
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