Parly arson accused denied bail
Suspected parliament arsonist Zandile Mafe’s bail application has been denied by the Cape Town Regional Court.
The court delivered its judgment yesterday, ruling Mafe had failed to prove why he deserved to be released on bail.
“The applicant did not satisfy the court that exceptional circumstances exist which in the interests of justice permits his release.
“[Therefore], the application [for the accused] to be released on bail has been refused,” Magistrate Michelle Adams ruled.
Mafe has since instructed his legal team – consisting of advocate Dali Mpofu and attorney Luvuyo Godla – to appealing the ruling, according to media reports.
The suspect will be remanded in custody and is set to return to court next Friday.
Last Saturday, Mafe dismissed suggestions he was mentally ill and revealed he intended to sue the state for the reputational damage caused to him.
He had also argued he would “stay at home and watch my DStv” if he was granted bail.
The 49 year old was admitted to Valkenberg Psychiatric Hospital for a 30-day mental observation earlier this month because he was diagnosed with schizophrenia with paranoia.
Mafe was released from the hospital two weeks ago, after his defence applied for a review of his referral.
Western Cape Judge President John Hlophe found the correct processes had not been followed.
Mafe is facing six charges, including one count of terrorism, two counts of arson, theft, housebreaking with intent to steal, and possession of explosive devices.
He was arrested in connection with the parliament fire on 2 January that destroyed the old and new Assembly buildings.
He was allegedly caught with stolen property after gaining entry to the parliamentary precinct in Cape Town.
According to News24, Mafe spent the entire New Year’s Day inside parliament having entered after midnight.
He reportedly avoided detection by crawling, and covered his head with a jacket.
He allegedly set a pile of boxes on fire 26 hours later and then called the police from inside the national key point.
According to the state, Mafe demanded, in his affidavit, that President Cyril Ramaphosa resign by 8 January, that Chris Hani’s murderer, Janusz Walus, be released from prison on 11 February and that a R1 500 grant be provided to unemployed people after parliament went up in flames.
State prosecutor Mervyn Menigo revealed that Mafe had told Hawks investigating officer Colonel Christiaan Theron that he had started the fire so Ramaphosa would not deliver what he described as a “State of Nonsense Address” which is due next Thursday.
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