Judge Hlope Rules Zandile Mafe Must Be Released From Mental Evaluation, Deems 30 Days Observation Unlawful

• Judge President John Hlophe ruled that the 30 days mental evaluation of Parliament fire suspect Zandile Mafe was unlawful
• Mafe will be released from Valkenberg Hospital and sent to a correctional facility where he will stay unless his upcoming bail application is successful
• If successful, he will have to submit evidence that proves he will attend his following court dates after he is out on bail

CAPE TOWN - Yesterday (18 January), Judge President John Hlophe ruled that the 30 days mental evaluation of Parliament fire suspect Zandile Mafe is unlawful and must end with immediate effect.

Hlope's argument is based on evidence that Mafe was not questioned before being sent for observation by the state, who decided on his behalf. Mafe will be released from Valkenberg Hospital today (19 January).

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Mafe's move and his next court appearance

"Further detention in Valkenberg will be unlawful," said Hlophe.

On Saturday (22 January), Mafe will appear in court to present his bail application. If successful, he will have to submit evidence that proves he will attend his following court dates after he is out on bail, News24 reports.

The State has promised that they will oppose his bail application. According to TimesLIVE, After Mafe's release from Valkenberg, he will be moved to a correctional facility, where he will remain unless his bail application is successful.

Reactions to Hlope's ruling

@Dumi18247646 said:

"Salute to Judge Hlophe for distracting the state plans. The state wanted to declare Zandile Mafe insane and be kept in the mental institutions until he completed his sentence just like Dimitri Tsafendas who killed Hendrick Verwoerd. Someone is behind this."

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@tebogokhaas believes:

"The stage is set for a successful bail application by Zandile Mafe on Saturday."

@okay_phela_cry inquired:

"Which means we can assume he is fit to stay in jail?"

@Mbanjwainvest remarked:

"Let Advocate Dali Mpofu take him into his house and make his wife take care of him."

@Senzo_Mkeeze shared:

"The Chief Justice South Africa never had."

Confusion over Zandile Mafe's Covid-19 status, lawyer denies all claims

Luvuyo Godla, Zandile Mafe's lawyer, has denied rumours that the Parliament fire suspect has tested positive for Covid-19.

Mafe is being held at Valkenberg Hospital in Cape Town for a 30-day observation period to allow professionals to assess if he is fit to stand trial. On 22 January, Mafe will appear in court to present his bail application.

Godla has not personally viewed Mafe's Covid-19 test results and refuses to believe that his client has tested positive until he receives valid evidence.

Source: Briefly News