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Zandile Mafe, the accused behind the Parliament arson case, is set to appear in the Western Cape High Court for a fitness-to-stand-trial inquiry. This two-day proceeding commences on Thursday, casting doubt on Mafe's readiness to face the charges. He stands accused of igniting a fire that ravaged Parliament's National Assembly back in January 2022.

Mafe's lawyer, Advocate Luvo Godla, has raised concerns over the content of two psychiatric assessment reports. These reports suggest that Mafe might not be fit for trial, indicating his inability to comprehend the wrongfulness of his actions at the time of the alleged incident. Despite these findings, Mafe expressed his readiness to stand trial during the previous court appearance in September.

Godla emphasized that no further assessments of Mafe's fitness for trial are planned, and the accused remains confident in his ability to participate in court proceedings if the case proceeds to trial. Mafe is facing charges of arson and terrorism and has been in custody since his arrest in January 2022.

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