Nolutando Mzizi was testifying in the case against Sithembiso Mdlalose who's accused of starting the fire that claimed the lives of 76 people in August 2023.  Mdlalose is facing 76 counts of murder, one count of arson and 12 counts of attempted murder.
Noluthando Mzizi detailed how she was awoken by screams and cries for help just after midnight on that fateful day.

“When I heard that noise, I thought the Tanzanians had started fighting again, hurting each other, but a part of me felt the need to step outside to see what was really happening,” Mzizi said. Composed but visibly shaken, Mzizi described the panic and chaos as she fled the burning building, stepping over bodies and dodging collapsing debris.

"As I tried to turn the other way, I felt that I was stepping on bodies, some people had already died, and how many bodies did you see? I am not sure how many bodies but something like 9 to 10,” Mzizi said.

The woman set quietly just meters away was Sthembiso Mdlalose, the man accused of starting the deadly fire. Mdlalose was arrested in January last year, reportedly after confessing to the crime. In his confession, Mdlalose said the fire started after he attempted to cover up a murder, he also maintains that the arson attack was not premeditated.
However his lawyer is challenging the alleged confession. More witnesses are expected to be called when the case resumes on Friday.

--SABC--