JOHANNESBURG (AP) – The man suspected of starting the fire that gutted South Africa’s Parliament buildings appeared in court yesterday and will remain in custody pending a bail hearing.
Zandile Christmas Mafe faces several charges including arson, theft, housebreaking and contravention of the National Key Points Acts, which restricts access to government buildings, according to the local Eye Witness News website.
Mafe’s lawyer said he denies the charges. Mafe was arrested on the premises of the Parliament complex by police after they noticed the fire on Sunday morning. The Parliament complex in the centre of Cape Town includes some buildings that are 130 years old.
More details on Wednesday’s Borneo Bulletin
