This archive report was first published on 6 January 2022.
On January 6, 2022, a devastating fire ravaged South Africa's Parliament, leaving many questions unanswered. The man accused of the crime, 49-year-old Zandile Christmas Mafe, may not be the culprit, but a hapless, homeless individual.
According to his lawyer, Mafe denies all charges, and his family asserts his innocence. The lawyer claims that Mafe is a scapegoat, unfortunate enough to have been found near the scene.
Many South Africans are skeptical of the official account, pointing to several inconsistencies, including the fact that the revamped sprinkler system worked, but the water valve was turned off. They also question why police officers assigned to guard the structure failed to detect the intrusion and fire on the CCTV monitors.
Relevant security camera footage have been handed over to the top police investigating unit, the Hawks. As the investigation continues, South Africans are voicing growing scepticism of official accounts in social and traditional media.
Reporters have spoken to Mafe's older brother, Alfred, who said he was shocked by the accusation. Alfred Mafe stated that his brother is not violent.
