Parliament still waiting for NPA decision on whether more people should be charged for 2022 fire
After roaming around the precinct undetected for 30 hours and starting the fire, Zandile Mafe was found mentally unfit to stand trial in December 2023 after being charged with terrorism and arson.
Picture: Lindsay Dentlinger
CAPE TOWN - Parliament says it’s waiting on the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to decide whether any more people should be charged in connection with the 2022 fire that ripped through its buildings and destroyed its two main chambers.
After roaming around the precinct undetected for 30 hours and starting the fire, Zandile Mafe was found mentally unfit to stand trial in December 2022 after being charged with terrorism and arson.
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On Friday, the ACDP's Steve Swart questioned why it’s taking so long to decide whether Mafe acted alone or if anyone else is culpable.
Secretary to Parliament Xolile George says Parliament has concluded its own internal processes after investigating negligence on the part of staff.
"For internal employees, action was taken. SAPS that operate on the precinct connecting points, they also took action for employees that relate to their own work and the criminal aspect was done by the Hawks. The latest report we received from theM on the 24th of March is that they are awaiting the decision of the National Director of Public Prosecution to determine whether any other people can be held accountable, criminally."
Parliament fired one staff member and found another not guilty after a disciplinary process.