The man accused of setting fire to Parliament case has been postponed yet again.
49-year-old Zandile Christmas Mafe, was expected to return
to the Western Cape High Court on Friday for a pre-trail hearing. Instead, his
lawyer, Luvuyo Godla, told the court that his client refused to attend proceedings
as he was denied equipment such as a TV, radio, and a kettle. Godla said he has
been granted permission for a radio, but cannot have a kettle for ‘safety
reasons.’
Three weeks ago, Mafe also refused to enter the courtroom.
According to reports, police took Mafe, who is at Pollsmoor prison, to court,
but he refused to enter the courtroom, instead lying on the floor of the
holding cell.
Mafe allegedly set fire to Parliament’s National Assembly
chamber in January, a blaze which destroyed sections of the Old Assembly
building.
He faces a number of charges including housebreaking,
arson, terrorism and theft. Mafe is due to appear again on 4 November.
A report handed over to Parliament by Public Works and
Infrastructure Minister, Patricia de Lille, revealed that it would cost over R1
billion to repair the legislature building.
Done By: Mitchum George
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