Zandile Mafe returned to court on Tuesday, after spending nine days behind bars. The 49-year-old was arrested on Sunday January 2, 2022 after being accused of starting the devastating Parliament fire that destroyed the National Assembly.
Mafe is now being represented by Advocate Dali Mpofu as a lead representative in the case.
The court heard that Mafe has been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, but Mpofu maintains his medical diagnosis is irrelevant to his bail application.
“We are here for one purpose and one purpose only – whether this man should remain in the police custody for the duration of a further period,” said Mpofu.
“He has now been here for about ten days…and that is purely a matter about the liberty of an individual. Whatever his health condition might be, he is still a human being.”
Mpofu maintains that Mafe should be released on bail prior to being sent for psychiatric evaluation.
The state added a charge of terrorism to Mafe’s charge sheet on Tuesday, which is a schedule 6 offense.
He now faces six charges including housebreaking with the intention to steal, two counts of arson, possession of an explosive device, and destruction of essential infrastructure.
The state has brought an application to have Mafe referred for a 30-day psychiatric evaluation due to his medical diagnosis.
