Bail application postponed as parliament’s alleged arsonist contracts Covid
The
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says the bail application of the man
accused of starting the fire that blazed through parts of the parliamentary
precinct has been postponed.
“The planned bail application of Zandile Christmas Mafe that was scheduled for Saturday, 22 January 2022, has been moved to 29 January 2022,” says NPA’s Eric Ntabazalila.
This comes after the court was told on Tuesday that Mafe contracted Covid-19 and is in isolation.
“Today, the state, defence and the acting President of the Regional Court met virtually to discuss the logistics of the bail application and the parties agreed with the defence as they are unable to consult with Mafe until he completes his isolation on 24 January 2022,” says Ntabazalila.
Mafe was released from Valkenberg Psychiatric Hospital on Wednesday following a high court order after the defence applied for a review of his referral for a 30-day mental observation.
He was remanded at Pollsmoor Prison where he is in isolation.
“A new charge sheet has been provided to the defence, Wednesday and Thursday, and they confirmed receipt of the document. The accused is now charged with housebreaking with intent to commit terrorism and arson, arson, terrorism and theft,” adds Ntabazalila
Ntabazalila notes that the changes came after Advocate Mervyn Menigo, who is the leading prosecutor in the matter, had studied the docket afresh and further consulted with the investigating officer, and felt that the charges needed to be reformulated.
ALSO READ:
