Zandile Mafe, the man accused of setting Parliament on fire earlier this month, has been released from Cape Town’s Valkenberg Psychiatric Hospital. This comes after Western Cape Judge President John Hlophe ruled that Mafe’s referral for psychiatric evaluation was unlawful, and that bail should have been considered. The Cape Town Magistrate’s court made the referral after a district surgeon diagnosed Mafe with paranoid schizophrenia. Hlophe had strong words about how Mafe was improperly sent for mental evaluation, without having a say in the matter. 🤷🏽♀️
Mafe is also charged with terrorism. He was transferred back to Pollsmoor prison on Wednesday but will remain in isolation after testing positive for Covid-19. His bail application will be heard on Saturday at the Cape Town Regional Court. Expect ongoing updates as this case unfolds.
This article appeared as part of The Wrap, 20 January 2022. Sign up to receive our weekly updates.
