Word began to spread in the Johannesburg city centre on Friday that Sithembiso Lawrence Mdlalose has been charged with arson, 76 counts of murder, and 86 counts of attempted murder.
The lawyer representing the man who confessed to starting the deadly 80 Albert Street fire in August 2023 said on Thursday there were concerns over his client’s safety.
Advocate Thulani Makhubela was recused from the inquiry on Wednesday after victims flagged a range of posts on his social media accounts voicing his support for controversial anti-immigrant group, Operation Dudula.
The inquiry’s chairperson, Justice Sisi Khampepe said Makhubela’s support for xenophobic raids shows that he will not bring an impartial mind to the commission.