KEY POINTS
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The High Court ruled the fire confession was made voluntarily.
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The accused faces 76 murder charges and 12 attempted murder charges.
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Confession will be crucial evidence in the main trial on May 13.
The confession of Lawrance Sithebiso Mdlalose is admissible as evidence in court, according to the Palm Ridge High Court of South Africa.
Judge rules Usindiso fire confession admissible as legal evidence
The decision, according to the National Prosecuting Authority, came after an interlocutory motion asking for a trial inside a trial to determine admissibility.
After testifying during the Usindiso building fire investigation, the accused made the written confession in front of a Johannesburg magistrate.
The Johannesburg fire left 76 people dead and 12 injured, sparking public indignation and demands for responsibility.
A government commission headed by former Justice Sisi Khampepe began investigating the fatal building fire in September 2023.
The investigation’s goals were to find systemic flaws and identify any parties that might be held accountable for the sad event.
When Mdlalose confessed to lighting the fire during a hearing on January 23, Justice Khampepe ordered that his admission be formally documented.
Upcoming trial will rely on Usindiso fire confession as key proof
For his alleged involvement in the fire, Mdlalose is charged with 76 murders, 12 attempted murders, and one crime of arson.
According to Iol, his defense questioned the veracity of his first evidence by claiming he confessed under duress and under the influence of drugs.
Advocates for the state contended that the confession was voluntary, pointing out that Mdlalose seemed cooperative and lucid when speaking with officials.
Since the confession was given voluntarily and there was no indication of compulsion or impairment, Judge Cassim Moosa declared it to be admissible.
The main trial is set to start in Johannesburg on May 13, 2025, after the High Court postponed the case.
