Overview

• Judge Cassim Moosa postponed the case to October 15 after Sthembiso Mdlalose left the stand during cross-examination, saying he was mentally drained.
• Mdlalose is charged with murder, attempted murder and arson in connection with the 2023 blaze at Johannesburg’s Usindiso building.
• He now claims prior confessions were lies made while he was on drugs to secure arrest and shelter, despite those statements being admitted as evidence.
• State prosecutor Thami Mpekana pressed contradictions in his testimony and maintained that Mdlalose was at the building when it burned, which he denied.
• Defense counsel sought an adjournment, and outside court Mdlalose’s father called for a psychological assessment of his son.