The State has charged the 49-year-old with housebreaking, two counts of arson, possession of an explosive device, and destruction of essential infrastructure. Earlier on Tuesday, a medical report stating Mafe has been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia was submitted to the court. Mafe made his first court appearance a week ago.

Magistrate Zamekile Mbalo granted the State a seven-day postponement to obtain and verify more information about the accused ahead of his bail application. Mafe is expected to make that bail application on Tuesday, and his legal team is expected to argue against his arrest. According to a charge sheet seen by The South African, Zandile Mafe was allegedly found in possession of property that belongs to the state, including laptops, crockery and documents, when he was arrested.

EFF National Chairperson, Mpofu, also joined the legal team as senior counsel after being approached by Luvuyo Godila, who represented Zandile Mafe at his first appearance. The fire gutted parts of the parliamentary precinct. The old assembly building as well as the adjoining National Assembly building was affected.