JOHANNESBURG - The trial against Sithembiso Mdlalose took an unexpected turn on Monday.
Instead of delivering the expected judgment, the State successfully applied to reopen its case in the Usindiso Building fire.
Mdlalose is accused of starting the fire that swept through the hijacked Usindiso Building in Marshalltown, Johannesburg, in August 2023.
READ | 76 deaths, 76 murder charges: Judgment expected in Usindiso fire case
The fire claimed 76 lives and left 12 others seriously injured.
The defence welcomed the reopening of the case, saying there were outstanding issues, including how exactly the flames engulfed the building and where the fire started, that needed clarity.
The matter has been postponed to Wednesday, 19 August, when further evidence will be heard and statements submitted.