Zandile Christmas Mafe Appears In The Cape Town Magistrates Court in Connection With Parliamentary Fire.

The 49-year-old suspect accused of starting the fire, on Sunday, which ravaged the buildings in the parliamentary precinct made his first appearance in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 4 January.

Zandile Christmas Mafe stands accused of contravening the Explosives Act, arson, damaging essential infrastructure, housebreaking with intent to steal and more.

He was found in possession of suspected stolen property, presumably taken from Parliament including, laptops, crockery and documents, according to the state.

Mafe intends to plead not guilty to all charges. His lawyer, Luvuyo Godla, insists the wrong person was arrested.