Africa
SA Parliament Suspected Arsonist Was Caught With Explosives
- The fire first broke out on Sunday, totally destroying the National Assembly, or lower chamber
EKO HOT BLOG reports that a man detained for setting South Africa’s parliament in Cape Town on fire was found at the site with explosives, prosecutors have alleged.
Zandile Christmas Mafe, 49, appeared in a city court on charges under the Explosives Act, as well as for arson, theft and a break-in.
His lawyer said he was innocent of all the charges.
The fire first broke out on Sunday, totally destroying the National Assembly, or lower chamber.
No-one was injured the blaze, but it has left the nation shocked.
Read also: Fire Tears Through Parliament Building In South Africa
Mafe is the only person arrested in connection with the fire.
He looked unkempt and dazed in court, reports the BBC’s Nomsa Maseko from Cape Town.
As he arrived in the dock wearing shorts and a creased shirt, he removed his face mask and did a 360-degree turn as cameras flashed.
Police said Mafe had been arrested within the parliamentary complex after the fire started, but his lawyer said the wrong person had been detained.
The case was postponed for seven days to allow police to continue with their investigations.
Firefighters say they have managed to contain the blaze that reignited on Monday.
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South Africa Parliament: Suspected Arsonist Arrested Over Massive Fire
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