'Parliament arsonist' Zandile Mafe unsuccessful in latest bail bid

Mafe is allegedly behind the devastating fire that ripped through the National Assembly on January 2.  

The former homeless man, who has spent the past five months behind bars, failed in his latest bid to be released on bail when two out of three judges of the Western Cape High Court dismissed his appeal. 

Mafe's initial appeal in the case was heard last month by two judges who could not reach a verdict on the matter.

Judge Daniel Thulare said the reasons for the ruling would be provided in due course.

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"I would have directed that the accused be released on bail, subject to certain bail conditions, and that will be my dissenting judgement to the decision of the majority.

 “The reasons of judgment, in relation to the judgment of the majority and the reasons of judgment in relation to the judgment of the minority, will be forwarded to the parties in due course."

Mafe first appeared in court on January 4.

On 11 January, when he expected to be applying for bail, he was referred for mental observation.