The man arrested for allegedly burning the South African National parliament is going to plead not guilty to charge of arson and possession of explosives says his legal representative.
Luvuyo Godla who represents Zandile Christmas Mafe an arson accused 49 year old told reporters on Tuesday that his client denied the charges. Godla said his client was going to plead not guilty.
“Whether its in Khayelitsha or Constantia arson is seen everywhere. Our submission is that this man is made a scapegoat of the failure of the executive of the legislature”, he said.
Mafe appeared before the magistrate court of Cape Town on Tuesday morning and his case was postponed to the 11th of January for bail application.
According to the charge sheet Mafe had stolen laptops, crockery and documents at the time he was caught. Godla said the state had all the resources, and Mafe was a poor man who was being accused of setting Parliament alight. “You ‘ve got the wrong man”, he said.
Western Cape National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said Mafe faced two counnts of arson, possession of explosives and destruction of essential infrastructure.
“The postponement is for the state to confirm certain information of the accused and to check if he has assets. The investigators have been unable to assess the damages at Parliament. The state will be opposing bail and more charges are likely to be added”, he said.
