Cape Town - All that is needed is Judge Nathan Erasmus’s signature for an order to transfer alleged Parliament arsonist Zandile Mafe to a psychiatric hospital in the Eastern Cape.
Appearing on behalf of Judge Erasmus was Judge Robert Henney.
The state prosecutor Mervyn Menigo briefed the court and said both the state and Mafe’s legal team met with Judge Nathan Erasmus on the logistics of Mafe’s transfer to Fort England Hospital in Makhanda.
“Judge Erasmus is of the view that a referral can happen. He said that he could make an order for it on March 28,” he said.
Advocate Nikiwe Nyathi, who stood before the court on behalf of Mafe, did not oppose and said that she, too, was of the view that her client was to undergo a psychiatric assessment before the trial continued.
Judge Henney said that he was concerned about how this matter has been conveyed in the public domain.
“I fear that there may be misconceptions in such cases. The court does not make such recommendations, but rather the executive or the superintendent. Due to the nature of this case, and it being in the public interest, it is important that it is known that it is not the court's decision to recommend transfers,” he said.
Mafe remains in police custody and is charged with housebreaking with intent to commit arson, terrorism and theft.