The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has successfully secured the reopening of the State’s case against Lawrance Sithembiso Mdlalose, who is facing 76 counts of murder and 12 counts of attempted murder stemming from the deadly Usindiso Building fire in Johannesburg.
NPA South Gauteng spokesperson Magaboke Mohlatlole said the Gauteng Division of the High Court, sitting in Palm Ridge, granted the State’s application after concerns were raised about inconsistencies in some of the post-mortem findings.
The State had already closed its case, while the defence had also concluded its case. Both sides subsequently filed their heads of argument and made oral submissions before the matter was reserved for judgment.
However, before delivering judgment, the court identified discrepancies in some of the post-mortem reports and directed both the State and the defence to address the concerns.
Mohlatlole said the State will now call expert witnesses to provide further evidence and clarify aspects of the post-mortem findings in accordance with the court’s directives.
He said reopening the case would ensure that all relevant evidence is properly placed before the court before judgment is delivered.
According to the State’s case, Mdlalose, who lived in the Usindiso Building, allegedly assaulted a man known as “KB” during a dispute over money linked to drugs.
The State alleges that Mdlalose believed the man had died and subsequently bought petrol, returned to the building, poured it over the victim’s body and set it alight in an attempt to conceal the alleged assault.
The fire then allegedly spread rapidly through the building, killing 76 people and injuring several others in one of South Africa’s deadliest fire disasters.
Mohlatlole said the NPA welcomed the court’s decision, which would allow all relevant evidence to be fully considered before judgment is delivered.
“The State remains committed to presenting a comprehensive case and to ensuring accountability for the tragic loss of life suffered in this matter,” he said.
The matter has been postponed to 19 August 2026 for the hearing of further evidence.
