The highly anticipated trial of Lawrence Mdlalose — the self-confessed arsonist accused of murdering 76 people in the devastating 2023 Usindiso building fire in Johannesburg — has been postponed to tomorrow.
Mdlalose made a brief appearance at the High Court sitting in Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court earlier today. However, due to a packed court roll and an overwhelming caseload handled by Judge Cassim Moosa, proceedings in Mdlalose’s matter were delayed.
The police officers scheduled to testify today will now take the stand when the trial resumes. Their evidence is expected to be critical in a case that has captured national attention and reopened painful questions about building safety, housing policy, and accountability in South Africa’s inner cities.
