While the country has been reeling in shock following the Parliament fire, political parties are pointing out the lack of response by Police Minister Bheki Cele. This comes after the terrible blaze severely damaged seven parts of the national key point on Sunday, January 2.
According to EWN, the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) said the police ministry is to take responsibility for the alleged lack of security at Parliament and raised a red flag of concern that the nation has not received any comment from Cele or his deputy.
Also read: Important points surrounding Parliament fire uncovered
Zandile Mafe, the man accused of starting the blaze, has allegedly gone on a hunger strike, reports IOL. This comes after he made his second appearance in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, January 11, where it was ruled that he’ll be taken to Valkenberg Psychiatric Hospital for observation.
However, according to Advocate Dali Mpofu, who joined as Mafe’s senior counsel, the alleged Parliament fire suspect should be released on bail before being committed to Valkenberg Hospital for 30 days of observation.
Also read: Alleged Parliament arsonist preliminarily diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia
Economists have also warned that the fire damage that was caused to Parliament will have a negative impact on the county’s fiscus, SABC adds. The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has announced repairs to parliament will run into billions of Rands.
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Another attack? Government building suffers flames following Parliament saga
Picture: Facebook/JP Smith
