Zandile Christmas Mafe who is accused of being linked to the devastating fire at Parliament has been remanded in custody.

The State had asked the Cape Town Magistrates Court to give its seven days in order to collect bail information as well as inspect the crime scene – the Old and National Assemblies which have yet to be declared safe.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says the suspect has been charged under the explosives act, theft, arson and housebreaking. The NPA and Hawks have refused to divulge details about an explosive device found. The 49-year-old Khayelitsha resident was arrested at Parliament on Sunday morning during the fire. He was allegedly found in possession of stolen property.

The Hawks have indicated that they think other people may be involved in the incident at Parliament. But adds that at this stage the focus is on Mafe until the investigations can dictate otherwise.

Mafe’s private legal representative, attorney Luvuyo Godla says his client rejects the charges leveled against him and will plead not guilty. He says no explosives were found on his client.

The case has been postponed to January 11.