Spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the Western Cape, Eric Ntabazalila, said that the bail hearing of the alleged Parliament arsonist will be heard on Saturday, 15 January at 11am.
According Ntabazalila, an urgent bail application had been filed in the Western Cape High Court, News24 reports.
The urgent bail application comes a day after the 49-year-old Zandile Christmas Mafe was admitted to the Valkenberg Psychiatric Hospital to begin his 30-day mental observation.
Mafe, who stands accused of igniting the fire at Parliament was preliminarily diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. He also faces two counts of arson, possession of an explosive device and destruction of essential infrastructure. The state also added a Schedule six offence as a new charge.
Also read: Alleged Parliament arsonist preliminarily diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia
Meanwhile, Advocate Dali Mpofu, who joined as Mafe’s senior counsel, went against the State’s application and indicated that Mafe would go on a hunger strike.
This is a developing story.
Also read:
Alleged Parliament arsonist due to start 30-day mental observation at Psychiatric Hospital
Picture: Twitter/Nadine Theron