The man who is allegedly responsible for the fire at Parliament made his second appearance in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, January 11.
A well-groomed, Zandile Christmas Mafe returned to the dock and was greeted by a packed courtroom waiting in anticipation for the judge to precede over the matter. The 49-year-old Mafe faces two counts of arson, possession of an explosive device and destruction of essential infrastructure.
However, the state has added a Schedule six offence as a new charge. Contravention of the Terrorist Act was added to the charge sheet after it abandoned the count that relates to damage to essential infrastructure.
Zandile Mafe arrives in court 16 at Cape Magistrates Court @CapeTimesSA @IOL #ParliamentFire pic.twitter.com/e4bkdzWZ69
— Chevon Booysen (@ChevonBooysen) January 11, 2022
Also read: Important points surrounding Parliament fire uncovered
Merely 40 minutes into the proceedings, a packed courtroom 16 heard that Mafe has been preliminarily diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. According to Advocate Dali Mpofu, who joined as Mafe’s senior counsel, the alleged Parliament fire suspect should be released on bail before being committed to Valkenberg Hospital for 30 days of observation.
However, when the court made the decision Mafe’s legal counsel indicated that he will now go on a hunger strike if he will remain behind bars.
Mafe shakes his head repeatedly in dock after hearing he will be admitted for psychiatric evaluation @CapeTimesSA @IOL #ParliamentFire pic.twitter.com/yuHSbuPziC
— Chevon Booysen (@ChevonBooysen) January 11, 2022
Meanwhile, members of Streetscape, a charity organisation for the homeless, were seen gathered outside the court in support of Mafe.
Community activist Venetia Orgill, who was part of the group gathered outside of the court, said that she stands in solidarity with Mafe as she believes he is innocent.
Also read:
Parliament fire: Report finds that sprinkler valve was inactive for several years
Picture: Twitter/Nadine Theron