Marshalltown fire accused abandons bail bid
The man accused of starting the deadly fire at the Usindiso Building in Marshalltown abandoned his bail application in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
Lawrence Mdlalose is facing charges of arson, several counts of murder and attempted murder.
In August last year, a fire ripped through the abandoned building in downtown Johannesburg that was housing dozens of families in appalling conditions, killing more than 70 people.
On Thursday, the court heard the addresses Mdlalose provided were invalid, while his aunt confirmed Mdlalose stayed with her in Soweto until 2017.
During his first court appearance, the accused availed several addresses and his ID number for verification.
The National Prosecuting Authority's (NPA) Phindi Mjonondwane also says profiling of the accused is still outstanding.
"We were told it will take about a week for Home Affairs to conclude profiling him".
Mdlalose is being held in a private cell due to concerns over his safety.
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