Parliament fire suspect denies all charges
Zandile Mafe (49) faces two charges of arson, being in possession of an explosive device, housebreaking, theft, and destruction of essential infrastructure.
The case against the man accused of starting a fire that destroyed large parts of Parliament has been postponed to 11 January for further investigations.
49-year-old Zandile Mafe from Khayelitsha appeared briefly before the Cape Town Magistrates' court on Tuesday morning on two charges of arson, being in possession of an explosive device, housebreaking, theft, and destruction of essential infrastructure.
Western Cape National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila says they will oppose bail.
"The postponement is for the investigators to confirm bail information which includes residential address and assets of the suspect. The state will oppose bail and more charges are likely to be added as the case continues," says Ntabazalila.
The defence's lawyer, Luvuyo Godla says his client denies all the charges and will plead not guilty.
"This is not the person who is supposed to be arrested, this one is a scapegoat. What interest would that poor man have by burning parliament? No explosives were found in his possession. This is a clear scapegoat," said Godla.
Godla has confirmed that he is representing the accused on a pro bono basis.
Even the blind can see that this man doesn’t even know what is happening, he is being used as a scapegoat by the ANC of Ramaphosa so that it may seem they have things under control.
— Andi Motsepe (@AndiswaMadikazi) January 4, 2022
No free this man! Ramaphosa is useless and this man must not pay for his uselessness! pic.twitter.com/H7jKAJ63q2
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