A man detained for setting South Africa’s Parliament in Cape Town on fire was found at the site with explosives, prosecutors have alleged.
Zandile Christmas Mafe, 49, appeared in a city court on charges under the Explosives Act, as well as for arson, theft and a break-in.
His lawyer said he was innocent of all the charges.
The fire first broke out on Sunday, totally destroying the National Assembly or lower chamber.
No one was injured in the blaze, but it has left the nation shocked.
Mr Mafe is the only person arrested in connection with the fire.
He looked unkempt and dazed in court, reports the BBC’s Nomsa Maseko from Cape Town.
As he arrived in the dock wearing shorts and a creased shirt, he removed his face mask and did a 360-degree turn as cameras flashed.
Police said Mr Mafe had been arrested within the parliamentary complex after the fire started, but his lawyer said the wrong person had been detained.
The case was postponed for seven days to allow police to continue with their investigations.
Firefighters say they have managed to contain the blaze that reignited on Monday.
Strong winds caused smouldering wood in the roof to catch fire again.
A video of Monday’s blaze has been posted on parliament’s Twitter account:
RE-EMERGENCE OF FIRE IN THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY BUILDING: Firefighters are on the scene. #ParliamentFire pic.twitter.com/MXmklIS9MG
— Parliament of RSA (@ParliamentofRSA) January 3, 2022
On Sunday, President Cyril Ramaphosa – who admitted the building’s sprinkler system had not functioned properly – praised firefighters for responding to the “terrible and devastating event” in minutes.
Government minister Patricia de Lille separately admitted that CCTV cameras had not been monitored at the time the initial fire started.
The chairperson of the upper chamber, Amos Masondo, said Sunday’s fire had led to the “complete burning down” of the National Assembly chamber. Other areas of the parliamentary complex – parts of which date back to 1884 – were also badly damaged.
The parliament is not currently in session because of the holidays, and no-one was injured.
The building is home to thousands of treasures including historic books, photographs and important works of art, which officials said had been saved.
There had been particular concern that the valuable Keiskamma Tapestry, which is 120m (394ft) long, and documents South Africa’s history, may have been damaged or destroyed.
It is expected to be many months before the building can be used again.
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said the city’s council chamber would be made available as an alternative place for parliament to meet.
Latest Stories
-
The military to establish 15 FOBs in the northern regions – Defence Minister
1 min -
‘The threat is real’ – Defence Minister on terrorist threats
2 hours -
Tragedy as man dies mid-flight from Accra to Washington
5 hours -
Monkeypox: Cases detected in three more countries for first time
5 hours -
African Liberation Week: How a Pan-African movement is driving African youth to action for African Liberation
5 hours -
At least 15 dead in Texas primary school shooting
6 hours -
GFA maintain Otto Addo as head coach; Boateng, Dramani and Hughton also stay at post
6 hours -
E.I 144 is in breach of Act 925 – Minority on declassification of Achimota Forest
6 hours -
‘Charity begins at home; comply with asset declaration law’ – Speaker tells MPs
7 hours -
Playback: One-on-one with Defence Minister on threat of terrorism in Ghana on PM Express
7 hours -
Girl whose foster mother burnt her fingers needs Psychological attention – Clinical psychologist recommends
7 hours -
Female enrollment in tertiary education seeing steady progress at Webster University Ghana Campus
8 hours -
Current fuel reserves can last four weeks — NPA assures public
8 hours -
‘See something, say something campaign’: Everybody must get involved – Osafo-Maafo
8 hours -
Alltech honours international agricultural journalists during annual ONE Conference
8 hours