NPA welcomes ruling declaring Usindiso building arsonist Sthembiso Mdlalose’s confession as admissible! The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has welcomed the ruling by the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court declaring the confession of alleged Usindiso building arsonist, Sthembiso Mdlalose, as admissible.
Mdlalose suffered a setback in court on Monday after his attempt to have the confession withdrawn was dismissed.
The 31-year-old confessed in January last year to being responsible for the fire at the Usindiso building, which killed 76 people.
Usindiso building arsonist
Although Mdlalose claimed he was coerced into making the confession, the court found that it was given freely and voluntarily.
Mdlalose’s hopes of walking free have been squashed, as his confession will now be used as evidence against him in court.
Mdlalose previously told the court that his application to have the confession withdrawn was prompted by his desire to fight for his life and prove his innocence.
But the NPA’s Phindi Mjonondwane said the State was prepared to prove Mdlalose’s guilt even without his confession.
“So now that the confession has been admitted as evidence that we can use in court, we welcome that decision as the NPA, as it serves to boost and strengthen our case even further.”
Mdlalose is back in court on Tuesday for the resumption of his trial.
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At the heart of the legal dispute is the global hit Jerusalema, a song that became a cultural phenomenon and brought South African music to the global stage. Read More
