Parliament satisfied with preliminary report on damage caused by the fire

Parliament says it is satisfied by the preliminary report done by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure regarding the damage caused by the fire earlier this year.

National Assembly Speaker, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula says even though the report is still not yet concluded, she is happy with the little insight it has provided so far.

She says it is expected that the entire phase one report will be furnished next month.

” It is still phase one report and even that phase one report is not complete yet. But you will have [a] clear picture of the nature and the challenges that we are likely to have. You will have a clear picture. In fact, just how long it will take us to emerge from the ruins that were caused by this fire,”  says Mapisa-Nqakula.

The video below is reporting on the Parliament fire:

49-year-old Zandile Christmas Mafe was arrested by the Hawks for allegedly starting the fire.

He has already appeared in the Magistrates’ Court in Cape Town.

Mafe had earlier been denied bail with the court ruling that there were no compelling circumstances.

His legal team has, however, lodged an appeal with the Western Cape High Court against the denial of bail.

Mafe insists that he is being made a scapegoat and intends to sue the state.

VIDEO: Suspected Parliament arsonist Zandile Mafe denied bail