Man accused of burning Parliament remains in police custody

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Photo: twitter

A case against the 49-year-old man accused of having a hand in the fire at Parliament this past Sunday morning has been postponed to January 11.

The man who is now identified as Zandile Mafe made an appearance in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday morning.

The 49 years old, who is also said to be homeless was arrested by the by the Hawks and is expected to be charged with housebreaking, theft and arson.

His arrest and court appearance made strong rounds on social media with several people including his defense accusing the government of using the helpless homeless as scapegoat for their negligence.

Minister De Lille confirmed the CCTV cameras were working Sunday morning. We would like to see video evidence of Zandile Mafe in the parliament precinct and also starting the fire that destroyed parliament. Something doesn’t add up here and we can’t keep quiet. pic.twitter.com/Sm59FWgKy1

— Vuyo Zungula MP 🇿🇦 (@ZungulaVuyo) January 4, 2022

If they say this man, Zandile Mafe knew Parliament Protection officers were not on duty, that nobody was monitoring CCTV cameras, knew water sprinklers were turned off, then the man must be appointed head of Parliamentary Protection Services or Intelligence Operative. Klaar!! pic.twitter.com/pQChkzGvXa

— Bra Hloni (@DimitryHlonisky) January 4, 2022

Represented by Luvuyo Godla who said his client should be released on bail because he poses no flight risk, Mafe pleaded not guilty.

He will remain in police custody until his next court appearance.

These are the aerial/drone footage and pictures of this afternoon's flare up. They were provided by the Cape Town Metro Emergency Medical Services pic.twitter.com/D2LJl78sEc

— Parliament of RSA (@ParliamentofRSA) January 3, 2022