The NPA Welcomes The Court Decision To Deny Mafe Bail

The Acting Director of National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the Western Cape, Advocate Nicolette Bell,  welcomed the decision of Cape Town Regional Court to deny Zandile Christmas Mafe bail. Adv Bell said: “This is a first step in the right direction of ensuring that we get justice. The next step is to ensure that we prove our case against the accused beyond any reasonable doubt. We believe that we have a strong case against the accused and the experienced and skilled investigating and prosecution team we have assembled will put up a strong case before the court that will result in a successful prosecution.”

Adv Bell also indicated that the state will oppose any appeal the defence plans to launch. The legal representative of the accused told the media outside court that they will appeal and even go to the Constitutional Court to ensure their client was released on bail. Mafe is charged with housebreaking with intent to commit terrorism and arson, terrorism, arson and theft. These charges relate to the burning of Parliament early last month.

He was arrested on 2 January 2022 and made a lengthy bail application last Saturday in his bid to secure bail. The state opposed his application, arguing that the applicant dismally failed to adduce any evidence of exceptional circumstances which he is obliged to do if he wanted to be released on bail. Furthermore, his release may endanger the safety of the public, undermine public peace and security and that he was a flight risk.

Senior State Adv Mervyn Menigo argued that “the substantial allegations are that the applicant purchased petrol in a bottle, made his way to parliament, using stealth, broke into parliament and after spending some time in parliament, used boxes, paper and the petrol to set parliament alight causing devastating damage to the facility. The motive for the attack flows from his deeply held political, ideological and philosophical beliefs and also intense resentment with the South African government.”

Mafe will return to Cape Town Magistrates Court on 11 February 2020 where the case was postponed for further investigation.

Note: The NPA’s media statements are available on the website: www.npa.gov.za

Issued by:

Eric Ntabazalila

National Prosecuting Authority

Regional Communications Manager

Western Cape

Tel: (021) 487 7308Mobile: 073 062 1222

Email: entabazalila@npa.gov.za