The case against a man who is being accused of starting the fire that destroyed large parts of Parliament has been postponed to 11 January 2022 for further investigations.
The 49-year-old Zandile Mafe from Khayelitsha appeared before the Cape Town Magistrates’ court on Tuesday morning on two charges of arson, being in possession of an explosive device, housebreaking, theft, and destruction of essential infrastructure.
Western Cape National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said they will oppose the bail application.
“The postponement is for the investigators to confirm bail information which includes residential address and assets of the suspect. The state will oppose bail and more charges are likely to be added as the case continues,” said Ntabazalila.
The lawyer for the suspect, Luvuyo Godla said that his client denies all the charges and will plead not guilty.
“This is not the person who is supposed to be arrested, this one is a scapegoat. What interest would that poor man have by burning parliament? No explosives were found in his possession. This is a clear scapegoat,” said Godla.
Godla said that he will be representing the accused on a pro bono basis.
