The Gauteng National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says judgment has been reserved in the case involving Sithembiso Madlalose, the man accused of starting the devastating 2023 Usindiso building fire in the Johannesburg CBD.
According to Gauteng NPA spokesperson Magaboke Mohlatlole, the court will deliver its ruling at a later date after hearing arguments in the matter.
Madlalose is accused of being responsible for the tragic blaze at the Usindiso Building, which claimed the lives of 76 people in one of the deadliest urban fires in South African history.
The fire, which broke out in August 2023, left dozens dead and many others injured, while also exposing the poor and unsafe living conditions inside hijacked and overcrowded buildings in the Johannesburg CBD.
The case has drawn significant public attention due to the scale of the tragedy and the number of lives lost.
