A South African court on Friday postponed to May a criminal case against the man accused of torching the national parliament in January because investigators were unable to ascertain the cost of damages due to a waterlogged crime scene, prosecutors said.
Zandile Mafe, arrested at the scene of the devastating fire, faces several charges including arson, theft and terrorism and was denied bail in February. Mafe denies the charges.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said that "50 tonnes" of water in the basement of parliament first needed to be cleared for forensic investigators to determine the costs and damages - a key aspect when dealing with arson and terrorism charges.
