The trial of the man who confessed to starting the deadly Usindiso fire that killed 76 people has been postponed to October 15 after he walked out of court, saying he was mentally drained and unable to continue with his cross-examination.
Given the history of the case, and in the interest of justice, I hereby grant the matter to be postponed as the accused has expressed, he is not able to proceed with cross-examination, said judge Cassim Moosa.
There was tense exchange in court after Sthembiso Mdlalose walked out of court while being cross-examined by state prosecutor Thami Mpekana, who pressed him on inconsistencies in his version of events.