There has been a turn of events in the Usindiso Building fire matter as the father today told ZiMoja that the accused has changed his story. He says his son has admitted to having a fight stabbing, and burning someone but has denied causing the fire that claimed the lives of 76 people. The defence also confirmed this and told the media outside court that the accused made another statement, which is contradictory to his initial confession made prior his arrest.

Sthembiso Mdlalose (31) confessed to starting the fire at the building at the commission of inquiry, led by Justice Sisi Khampepe, into the cause of the fire at the building. He claimed at the inquiry that he had beaten and strangled another resident while high on drugs and poured petrol on the body and started a fire to cover up the murder.

He appeared at the Johannesburg Magistrate Court today on one count of arson, 76 counts of murder and 86 counts of attempted murder. His father said that they are disturbed by the matter but believe he is better off in prison than outside.

"My recent visit to him was on Tuesday and I must say he looked much better than when I first saw him after his arrest. I believe he doesn't have access to drugs while he's in there because he is even starting to gain some weight and a bit of complexion. You can tell that he's been bathing, "said the father.

He said although this was a shocking matter that involves the death of a lot of people, he's glad that his son will be drug free and away from trouble.

State prosecutor, Tshepo Mahange ka Mzizi, said he received communication from the defence that he won't be able to make it to court. "They conveyed a message from the office of Mr Mabunda that he is caught in a family matter but he asked for the 22nd of March to be the next court dafe." Ka Mzizi added that he received interesting information from the investigating officer and his team. "The colonel and the team came to give me interesting information important to the state's case that will turn our case in the right direction," Ka Mzizi said.

The defence of the accused attorney Dumisani Mabunda, who had excused himself from court but was outside the premises, said there was still outstanding investigation on the matter. On previous occasions, this matter was postponed in order for the accused to point out the crime scene, but " we ended up not going because he changed his mind. Our client made another statement which was contradictory to his initial confession. He was previously ill advised because he did not have a legal representative," Mabunda said. The NPA's Phindi Mjonondwana said she cannot comment on the developments that were announced by the defence outside court because they were not on record. "As the state, we have requested further postponement to conclude investigations. What the defence has revealed now, I cannot comment on but as the state we will be expecting an application for a trial within a trial to confirm the admissibility of the accused's second statement as opposed to his initial confession." Mjonondwana said.