Zandile Mafe, the man accused of setting the National Assembly building on fire in January 2022, has been deemed unfit to stand trial.
Also read: Alleged Parliament arsonist says he did it on purpose during outburst
Following an independent psychiatric assessment requested by the defence after three state-appointed specialists gave separate findings, the Western Cape High Court was told that Mafe was not fit to stand trial. According to News24, he was not present in court when the decision was revealed.
During his previous court appearance, Mafe shouted from the dock during his pre-trial hearing that he did set the building on fire on purpose, and that he would burn another.
His initial psychiatric assessment determined that he suffered from schizophrenia. However, this finding was declared unlawful and a second evaluation was requested.
The case has been postponed to 1 September so that the State and the defence can reveal how they will proceed.
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