A man accused of starting a devastating fire at Parliament is undergoing mental evaluation.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said that Zandile Mafe started his 30-day mental observation at Valkenberg Psychiatric Hospital on Thursday after a bed had been secured for him.
Mafe was apprehended soon after the fire broke out at the parliamentary precinct on 2 January and he has already made two appearances in the Cape Town Magistrates Court.
He appeared in the Cape Town Magistrates Court on Thursday where the magistrate made an order for him to be admitted for mental observation.
Earlier this week, during his second court appearance, the NPA argued that the accused must be referred to a psychiatric facility for observation.
It followed a diagnosis and recommendation by a doctor that he suffered from paranoid schizophrenia.
His lawyer tried to oppose the application but was unsuccessful.
Magistrate Zamekile Mbalo agreed with the State and postponed the matter until 11 February.
Mafe faces various charges including arson and terrorism.
-EWN
In other news – VIDEO: SA rich kid drives Porsche to school
Yesterday was the first day of school for many Mzansi learners and the day was quite eventful as always. A Grade 12 learner is currently trending on social media after she posted on Instagram how she is showing up to school.
The leaner who goes by the username @Yanda.Woods took to social media to show off that she was driving to her first day of matric with a Porsche, carrying a Christian Dior bag for her books and wearing Louis Vuitton shades. Learn More
