The case against Sthembiso Mdlalose in connection with the deadly Usindiso building fire has been postponed to 15 September after his legal representative failed to appear in court.
Mdlalose made a brief appearance in the Johannesburg High Court on Wednesday morning.
He faces 76 counts of murder in connection with the August 2023 fire at the Usindiso building in Johannesburg, which claimed the lives of 76 people.
The State has indicated that it intends to call four witnesses, including three doctors and a police officer, to address discrepancies contained in the pathology report.
The evidence is expected to clarify the reported causes of death, with initial findings indicating that some victims had been burned, while further examination found that the victims had died from smoke inhalation.
Judge Cassim Moosa expressed concern over the absence of Mdlalose’s legal representative, saying the court had been waiting since 8.30am for the lawyer to arrive.
The court was reportedly informed that the lawyer had indicated he might arrive by 10.30am, but there was still no confirmation of when he would appear.
Judge Moosa noted that two witnesses who had attended court had other commitments and could not remain indefinitely.
In light of the circumstances, the judge granted the postponement but stressed that the matter would not be delayed for an extended period.
The case has now been adjourned to 15 September, when proceedings are expected to resume.