The Usindiso building fire trial has heard harrowing evidence about the deaths of 76 people in the 2023 Johannesburg blaze.
Joburg EMS station commander Chicco Nyathi testified in the Johannesburg High Court on Wednesday. He was the State’s first witness after the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) was allowed to reopen the case against Sthembiso Mdlalose.
Usindiso Building Fire Witness Describes Escape Attempts
Nyathi told the court that residents made desperate attempts to escape the burning building.
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Some people jumped from the structure, while others were thrown out as flames spread through the building. Mdlalose faces 76 counts of murder and 12 counts of attempted murder.
Usindiso Building Fire Victims Were Numbered
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Nyathi also testified about the process involving the victims’ remains after the fire. He said about 12 bodies were charred, while stressing that the numbering and identification of the remains were the responsibility of the police. The defence questioned him about one body that was allegedly numbered twice.
The court heard evidence about the emergency response and the condition of victims following the blaze. Nyathi was among the emergency personnel who responded to the scene. A new witness is expected to testify when proceedings resume on Monday.
