SITHEMBISO Mdlalose, the man accused of starting the deadly Usindiso Building fire that claimed 76 lives, says he'll appeal if he's convicted and sentenced to prison.
Mdlalose made these remarks while speaking to the media before appearing briefly in the Joburg High Court on Wednesday, 3 June 2026.
The accused, who has spent nearly three years in custody, insisted he's innocent and said he's never imagined being found guilty of a crime he maintains he didn't commit.
"I'm an innocent man. I've always dreamed of being outside and not wearing an orange prison uniform," he said.
Mdlalose also reflected on the confession he made during the Commission of Inquiry into the fire, which he has since retracted.
Now, he claims the confession was false but acknowledged it has had serious consequences for his life.
When asked what he would do if the court didn't acquit him, Mdlalose said he couldn't picture himself being convicted and would challenge the outcome through an appeal.
Speaking emotionally about his family, Mdlalose said he hopes to rebuild his relationship with his dad, who has continued to support him throughout the trial.
"One of the things I look forward to is fixing my relationship with my dad and telling him how much I love him," he said.
The case was postponed after state prosecutor Thami Mpekane asked for more time to comply with the court order.
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The order requires the prosecution and the defence to reconcile discrepancies between post-mortem reports and crime scene photographs before judgment is delivered.
The court heard that investigators are still working to resolve technical issues relating to the identification of some victims.
It's understood certain photographic evidence wasn't enough to conclusively determine gender, while further verification of post-mortem findings and photographic records remains necessary.
Mpekane told the court the state requires more time to prepare and review outstanding evidence.
Judge Cassim Moosa granted the postponement and adjourned the matter to 21 July at the High Court sitting at the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court, where proceedings are expected to continue.
BACKGROUND
Mdlalose faces 76 counts of murder, 12 counts of attempted murder, arson and defeating the ends of justice in connection with the devastating fire that tore through the Usindiso Building in Joburg's inner city on 31 August 2023.
The blaze killed 76 people and injured dozens more, making it one of the deadliest urban fires in South Africa's history.
During the commission of inquiry into the tragedy, Mdlalose confessed to starting the fire and allegedly killing a man inside the building. However, he later withdrew his confession and pleaded not guilty to all charges.
