The man who is allegedly responsible for the fire at Parliament made his first appearance in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, January 4.
The 49-year-old suspect identified as Zandile Christmas Mafe from site B in Khayelitsha was arrested after he was caught with the stolen property after he gained entry to the parliamentary precinct. Mafe faces charges relating to the National Key Point Act.
Spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority(NPA) in the Western Cape, Eric Ntabazalila said the suspect also faces two counts of arson, possession of an explosive device and destruction of essential infrastructure.
“The case has been postponed until January 11, for the state and investigators to confirm certain information which includes the residential address of the suspect, whether he have assets.
“The issue also is that the investigators have not been able to go to Parliament to assess the damage. When we come back next Tuesday we will have that info. The defence will also apply for bail but the state will oppose it,” Ntabazalila said.
Meanwhile, Mafe will remain in custody until his next court appearance.
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