The Western Cape High Court has upheld an earlier decision, ruling that Zandile Mafe, accused of the 2022 arson attack on the National Assembly, is unfit to stand trial.
Court leans on Zandile Mafe psych eval in ruling he’s unfit for trial
Mafe, 51, faced charges of arson and terrorism for allegedly igniting the parliament building in January 2022, a case that has gripped national attention.
After refusing admission to Valkenberg Hospital, Cape Town, Mafe underwent a psychiatric evaluation at Fort England Psychiatric Hospital, Eastern Cape.
The independent medical report, crucial to the case, determined Mafe’s mental incapacity to stand trial.
Judge Nathan Erasmus, citing the report, declared Mafe unfit for trial, highlighting his diagnosis of a probable schizophrenia disorder and his inability to comprehend court proceedings effectively.
Was Mafe behind the 2022 Parliament arson attack?
In a jarring incident during a court session in July 2023, Mafe confessed to the arson, citing frustration with poor service delivery and ongoing loadshedding in the country.
He also threatened further acts of arson if the parliament didn’t relocate.
“I burnt it intentionally, me Christmas Zandile Mafe. I am going to arrange more [attacks] if it [parliament] does not move to Bloemfontein or Pretoria,” he ranted.