Firefighters battle new blaze at South African parliament, suspect charged with arson
Source: Reuters
CAPE TOWN (Reuters) -A new blaze broke out on Monday at the complex housing the two chambers of South Africa’s national parliament in Cape Town, one day after a devastating fire swept through the buildings.
“The fire and rescue service confirms that the fire at parliament has flared up. The void beneath the roof sheeting of the National Assembly is on fire,” a spokesman for the city’s fire services said on Monday afternoon.
Police have charged a 49-year-old man with arson and other offences including theft and he was expected to appear in court on Tuesday.
National Assembly speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula said the arson, if confirmed, would represent an attack on the country’s democracy.
Read more: https://www.metro.us/firefighters-battle-new-blaze/
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Source: BBC
South Africa parliament fire: Suspect 'had explosives'
4 January 2022
A man detained for torching South Africa's parliament was caught with explosives, as well as stolen laptops and crockery, prosecutors have alleged.
Zandile Christmas Mafe, 49, appeared in a Cape Town court, for the first time since his arrest, on a raft of charges.
Mr Mafe's lawyer said he was a "poor man", and he denied all the charges.
Sunday's fire totally destroyed the National Assembly, or lower chamber, and badly damaged other parts of the historic building.
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Read more: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-59866553
Zandile Christmas Mafe was arrested in the parliamentary complex, police say (Reuters)
