Zandile Mafe is due back in the High Court – but will he show?
At Mafe’s first pre-trial conference, he refused to leave the holding cells and the court heard he was on a hunger strike again.
Alleged Parliament arsonist Zandile Christmas Mafe is expected to make his second pre-trial appearance in the Cape Town High Court on Friday, 2 September. The last time he was called, on 12 August, he refused to leave the court’s holding cells and proceedings took place in his absence.
MAFE RETURNS TO CAPE TOWN HIGH COURT
At Mafe’s first pre-trial conference, the court orderly said the accused was lying on the floor and refused to get up. His lawyer, Luvuyo Godla, went downstairs to speak with him and addressed the court after all the other cases on the roll were dealt with and an adjournment.
Godla said Mafe was wearing his pyjamas and he’s been on a hunger strike for quite some time. “Unfortunately, I did not get any information from Pollsmoor, they usually advise me as and when Mr Mafe embarks on a hunger strike…”
The State, represented by Advocate Mervyn Menigo, and Godla continued with proceedings in the accused’s absence.
Zandile Mafe is accused of arson, housebreaking with the intent to commit arson, terrorism and theft. He was arrested in connection with the fire that destroyed the Old and New Assembly Buildings in the Parliamentary District between 1 and 2 January.
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- Mafe allegedly set Parliament alight because of ‘political, ideological and philosophical beliefs’
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- Alleged arsonist to challenge Valkenberg referral on Tuesday
The State said it has handed 95% of its evidence to the defence. The outstanding material consists of a hefty crime scene investigation report and video evidence – both of which would be provided electronically.
Once the defence provides the State with a hard drive for the footage, they should have all the necessary particulars to consult with their client and ready themselves for trial, according to Menigo.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said the State hopes the parties will be able to set a trial date at the next court appearance.
Godla told the Presiding Officer that Zandile Mafe still intends to plead guilty to all the charges he faces. He told reporters the defence is preparing another bail appeal and would be approaching the Supreme Court of Appeal in the coming weeks.
The question of Mafe’s mental fitness to stand trial was also raised at the first pre-trial conference. The State planned to bring Dr Zelda van Tonder – the individual who preliminarily diagnosed Mafe with paranoid schizophrenia to court on the day but decided against it after speaking with the Judge.
READ MORE: Mafe to take bail application to Supreme Court of Appeal soon
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