Alleged Parliament arsonist to be released from psychiatric hospital
The Western Cape High Court has ordered the release of alleged Parliament arsonist Zandile Mafe from the Valkenberg Hospital.
Mafe will spend Tuesday night at the specialist-level psychiatric hospital in Cape Town before being transferred to Pollsmoor prison, almost 20 kilometres away, on Wednesday morning.
Western Cape Judge President John Hlophe set aside a lower court’s decision to have Mafe admitted for mental observation amid investigations into his alleged involvement in the catastrophic fire at the parliamentary precinct.
Mafe was arrested on January 2 after a fire ripped through the precinct, causing massive damage to the structure.
He faces a litany of charges, including the Contravention of Section 5 of the Protection of Constitutional Democracy Against Terrorist and Related Activities Act.
He also faces arson and housebreaking charges.
On Tuesday, Hlophe found his confinement to the psychiatric hospital was unlawful.
“The further detention of Mr Mafe in Valkenberg is unlawful and should come to an end with immediate effect.
"He should be released first thing tomorrow morningand placed in a normal corrections facility, and taken out of Valkenberg. That order was made improperly,” Hlophe said.
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