Cape Town: Zandile Christmas Mafe, the Cape Town man accused of setting fire to Parliament in January, has had his bail plea dismissed by a South African regional court.

According to sources, the 49-year-old may face life in jail if convicted of housebreaking with the intent to conduct terrorism and arson, terrorism, arson, and theft.

The suspect was apprehended on January 2 after the fire broke out early in the morning, and he was accused of stealing items after gaining unauthorised access to the legislative precinct.

The fire burnt for more than 70 hours, severely destroying the lower house of the National Assembly (NA) and completely destroying the NA chamber. The century-old Old Assembly building, which houses the National Council of Provinces, the upper house, was also severely damaged.

According to the state prosecutor, Mafe allegedly used boxes, paper, and 10 rands worth of petrol to ignite the fire.

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