Zandile Christmas Mafe stands accused of starting the fire that ravaged Parliament. Image: Twitter
Politicians voice doubt over Parliament fire accused: #FreeZandileMafe
Just hours after his identity was revealed, many are calling for the release of Zandile Mafe, the man accused of burning Parliament.
Zandile Christmas Mafe stands accused of starting the fire that ravaged Parliament. Image: Twitter
The identity of the man accused of starting the fire that devastated Parliament has been revealed after the suspect appeared in court on Tuesday. Zandile Christmas Mafe was taken into custody on Sunday and is now facing a litany of serious charges in relation to the incident.
Mafe had been taken into custody by members of the Protection and Security Services, responsible for Parliament security, when they realised that the building was on fire. Now, Mafe faces numerous charges including for theft, arson, housebreaking and even charges under the explosives act.
While the matter has been postponed in favour of waiting for the damages in Parliament to be assessed and verifying Mafe’s information, many aren’t convinced that this is the person responsible.
MP leads call to free Parliament fire accused
Economic Freedom Fighters Member of Parliament Naledi Chirwa has now called for Mafe to be freed. Interestingly, Chirwa offered up no explanation for why she feels the accused should be released. Instead, she simply shared a photo of the Parliament fire suspect with the caption #FreeZandileMafe.
Minister also not convinced Mafe is responsible
It seems as if Minister Fikile Mbalula himself is questioning the legitimacy of the case against Mafe. Taking to his official social media page, Mbalula voiced his concerns over the unimpressive individual taking the heat for the devastation at Parliament.
“Why would a” vagrant” wakeup and burndown parliament?”
Minister Fikile Mbalula
The Minister compared the incident at Parliament to another that he experienced, signalling his distrust in the matter.
“I remember not so long ago they burnt down trains. More than 18 train sets at Capetown station. Guess who was arrested? Kids. The syndicate used kids for their nefarious deeds. We offered the public a big prize. They brought kids who confessed to the act.”
Minister Fikile Mbalula
Furthermore, Mbalula recounted yet another story that he felt has relevance to the matter.
“In Joburg, Braamfontein they burnt down train sets again similar to what we are seeing today. It was vagrants/homeless people. The motive of burning trains was clear to paralyse PRASA. Now we need to understand the motive of burning parliament to project the country into chaos?”
Minister Fikile Mbalula
In conclusion, Mbalula insinuated the belief that the wrong person is taking the fall and that he would wait to see what evidence is brought against Mafe.
“What is important though, is that we have an alleged suspect who looks like a “homeless vagrant”. The police will give evidence in court why they link him directly to the arson.”
Minister Fikile Mbalula
Democratic Alliance MP voices his doubts
Democratic Alliance Member of Parliament Dean Macpherson has also cautioned against ‘diversionary tactics’ in the debacle.
“The man allegedly arrested for the Parliament fire appears to be a homeless man often seen begging between St Georges Mall and Parliament. Beware diversionary tactics from where the real responsibility lies, at the door of the Public Works Minister and Speaker of Parliament.”
Dean Macpherson
Mafe pleads not guilty to Parliament fire charges
Mafe’s lawyer, attorney Luvuyo Godla wants his client to be released on bail because he poses no flight risk. Furthermore, Mafe has pleaded not guilty and denied the charges he faces for his alleged involvement in the Parliament fire.
The court has granted a 7-day remand of the matter with the case postponed to 11 January. Meanwhile, Mafe will remain in custody.
