Zandile Mafe Parliament fire huNGER STRIKE

Zandile Christmas Mafe, a suspect in connection to a fire at the South African Parliament, appears at the Magistrate Court in Cape Town on January 11, 2022. – He is suspected of starting a devastating fire that gutted South Africa’s parliament.
A blaze broke out in the Cape Town complex before dawn on January 2, 2022 spreading to the National Assembly, the roof of which collapsed. (Photo by GIANLUIGI GUERCIA / AFP)

Parliament fire: Investigation concluded, evidence linking Mafe

Authorities say they are unable to give details on the investigation into the Parliament fire, but are confident of a successful prosecution

Zandile Mafe Parliament fire huNGER STRIKE

Zandile Christmas Mafe, a suspect in connection to a fire at the South African Parliament, appears at the Magistrate Court in Cape Town on January 11, 2022. – He is suspected of starting a devastating fire that gutted South Africa’s parliament.
A blaze broke out in the Cape Town complex before dawn on January 2, 2022 spreading to the National Assembly, the roof of which collapsed. (Photo by GIANLUIGI GUERCIA / AFP)

The investigation into the fire which broke out in Parliament has been concluded, the Hawks have said.

The Hawks appeared before Parliament on Friday, 23 September 2022, to give a status report on the probe into the blaze from earlier this year, as well as the renovation of the national keypoint. Zandile Mafe faces a string of terrorism related charges related to the blaze and has been in custody since January. The State alleges that Mafe engaged in terrorist activity by setting Parliament on fire and destroying the Old and New Assembly buildings.

Hawks Head Godfrey Sebeya says while they are unable to give details surrounding the matter, they are confident of a successful prosecution against Made.

“The information that we are providing is that we do so with an understanding that this matter that we are dealing with is currently sitting at court. At times, you will hear people talking about the sub judice rule, commenting about the matters that are still serving before the court of law. So, we do this so that we respect that boundary. We do not divulge much,” Sebeya said.

MORE SUSPECTS IN PARLIAMENT FIRE?

The Hawks boss was further quizzed about the possibility of Zandile Mafe having had a co-conspirator to create the fire in Parliament. Sebeya said this had always been a part of their investigation

“We are looking at that possibility. So, the honourable members should rest assured that no stone was left unturned in coming to the conclusion that we are now ready to go to court. So, whatever evidence that might come at a later stage even during the hearing will be pursued. So, at this stage, all that we could link to this particular case is the accused that is now standing in court.”

Hawks Head Godfrey Sebeya

In August, Public Works and Infrastructure Minister, Patricia de Lille, said the final report into the fire which gutted the National Assembly building had been handed over to the Speaker of Parliament Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

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