The suspect in the South African parliament fire ‘had explosives.’
Prosecutors claim that a man arrested for setting fire to South Africa's parliament in Cape Town was located at the scene with explosives.
Prosecutors claim that a man arrested for setting fire to South Africa’s parliament in Cape Town was located at the scene with explosives.
Zandile Christmas Mafe, 49, was charged with the Explosives Act, as well as arson, theft, and a break-in, before a municipal court.
His counsel stated that he was not guilty of any of the charges.
On Sunday, a fire erupted, completely destroying the National Assembly, or lower chamber.
The fire did not cause any injuries, but it stunned the nation.
The only individual arrested in connection with the incident is Mr. Mafe.
He removed his face mask and executed a 360-degree turn as cameras flashed as he arrived in the dock wearing shorts and a crumpled shirt.
Mr Mafe was apprehended within the legislative complex after the fire broke out, according to police, but his lawyer claims the wrong person was held.
The case was put on hold for seven days so that authorities may continue their investigation.
The blaze that re-ignited on Monday has been put out, according to firefighters.
Smoldering wood in the roof caught fire again due to strong gusts.
President Cyril Ramaphosa thanked firemen for responding to the “awful and devastating tragedy” in minutes on Sunday, despite the fact that the building’s sprinkler system had failed.
Separately, government official Patricia de Lille revealed that CCTV cameras were not being watched when the initial fire broke out.
Amos Masondo, the chairperson of the upper chamber, claimed the National Assembly chamber had been “completely burned down” by the fire on Sunday. Other elements of the parliamentary complex, some of which date back to 1884, were severely damaged as well.
Because of the holidays, the parliament is currently not in session, and no one was injured.
Thousands of artifacts, including old books, pictures, and important works of art, are housed in the structure, according to officials.
The historic Keiskamma Tapestry, which is 120m (394ft) long and recounts South Africa’s history, had been feared to be damaged or destroyed.