Man accused of setting fire to S African parliament deemed unfit for trial


A recent South African court ruling determined that Zandile Mafe, who was accused of setting fire to the parliament in 2022, is unfit to stand trial due to schizophrenia.

Zandile Mafe, aged 50, was apprehended during the efforts to contain the destructive blaze on January 2 last year. Despite previously pleading not guilty to charges of terrorism, theft, and arson, his court appearances were marked by disruptive outbursts.

Judge Nathan Erasmus stated in court on Monday that Zandile Mafe “is unable to stand trial due to mental illness.”

The fire caused extensive damage to the wood-paneled national assembly chamber, taking over two days to be completely extinguished. Initial reports suggested the failure of the sprinkler system.

The estimated cost for repairs is at two billion rand ($105 million), and the restoration efforts are projected to span at least three years.

Recognizing Zandile Mafe’s diagnosis of “paranoid schizophrenia,” defense lawyer Dali Mpofu mentioned in court that his client had undergone psychiatric evaluation after refusing admission to a hospital. Mafe will continue to be in the hospital wing of a prison until a decision is made about his future.

During a court appearance in July, Mafe verbally admitted to intentionally setting fire to parliament and launched verbal attacks against the main opposition Democratic Alliance party, branding them “racist” and calling for the departure of white individuals from the country.

Mpofu criticized the recent court ruling, arguing that it attempts to proceed with Mafe’s trial without his involvement, emphasizing his obligation to protect Mafe’s interests.

Throughout the proceedings, Mafe, dressed in a black blazer, shook his head as the judge delivered the ruling.

Mpofu indicated plans to appeal the court’s decision, stressing that “all this public display” regarding Mafe’s alleged actions does not serve the best interests of his client.

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