Parliament ‘arsonist’ to apply for bail on Saturday

Parliament ‘arsonist’ to apply for bail on Saturday

The National Prosecuting Authority says the man accused of starting the fire that blazed through parts of the parliamentary precinct will on Saturday launch an urgent application for bail.

Zandile Mafe & Dali Mpofu
GIANLUIGI GUERCIA / AFP

Spokesperson for the NPA in the Western Cape, Eric Ntabazalila, says Zandile Mafe is set to appear in the Western Cape High Court at 11am.


During his previous appearance at the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court, Mafe was sent for psychiatric evaluation and the case postponed to 11 February. 


 Mafe is currently on hunger strike after the state brought new evidence claiming he suffers from paranoid schizophrenia.


This indicates that due to Mafe’s mental state he may not be fit to stand trial.


 The magistrate ordered that Mafe be sent for 30 days’ observation at Valkenberg Hospital.


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