In a significant ruling on Monday, the Western Cape High Court declared Zandile Mafe, the accused in the Parliament arson case, unfit to stand trial. Judge Nathan Erasmus delivered the judgment, highlighting Mafe’s reported delusions, signs of hallucinations, and disorganized speech during his mental assessment at a facility.
Judge Erasmus stated, “I am in the finding that Mr. Mafe is not capable of understanding the proceedings so as to make a proper defense, and therefore my finding is in concurrence with the experts that [he] is unfit to stand trial.”
Mafe faces charges of housebreaking, theft, terrorism, and arson, having been arrested in Cape Town on January 2, 2022, the same day a fire, allegedly ignited by him, ravaged the parliamentary precinct. During the period from March 29 to May 24, Mafe underwent observation at Fort England Psychiatric Hospital in the Eastern Cape.
Dr. Thupana Seshoka, leading a panel of medical experts during this observation, recommended Mafe’s admission to Valkenberg Hospital for treatment and rehabilitation due to a diagnosis of schizophrenia spectrum disorder.
Judge Erasmus noted that Mafe’s family in the North West had been informed about his mental condition. The court indicated that if a witness is available for testimony, the hearing will proceed to avoid unnecessary delays, potentially concluding on December 27. However, if no witness is presented, the case will be postponed.
Mafe’s legal representative, Advocate Dali Mpofu, signaled the intention to file an appeal, suggesting that legal challenges to the decision may follow in the judicial process.