Mafe’s mental state: another trial delay

THE man alleged to be behind the burning of Parliament, Zandile Mafe, made a brief appearance in the Western Cape High Court yesterday.

Yesterday's appearance saw Mafe's lawyer, Luvuyo Godla, indicate that there were mental challenges with his client.

“Now it looks like we might be back to that application that was made at the lower courts – for him to be sent for observation,” National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said.

According Ntabazalila, Mafe's lawyers were “considering our application”.

“When we come back they will be able to tell the court on the day whether [he] agrees to to being referred for mental observation.”

Mafe's lawyers have acknowledged receipt of the NPA's documents. However the documents are in electronic form. They need to study them and consult with their client.

“We indicated that the State is ready for trial and they indicated that they are not ready for trial, so we hope when we come back on January 27, they will tell the court they are ready and then the issue around Section 77 will give us a status on where they stand,” Ntabazalila said.

Mafe faces arson and terrorism charges.

The alleged arsonist refused to leave his prison cell for his previous appearance.

Mafe has previously gone on hunger strike as an act of protest.

Supplied ZANDILE Mafe, the man alleged to be behind the burning of Parliament, has mental challenges, according to his lawyer, Luvuyo Godla. |