Frederick Mhangazo was initially charged with arson.
Mhangazo will live in a commune linked to social support and training programmes while waiting for the next leg of the case.
Tears welled up in Frederick Mhangazo s eyes after his release on bail following his arrest during the Table Mountain blaze. I feel good, he said shakily, when asked how he was after his release.
On Wednesday the court heard that the charges he faced have been being amended from arson to an alleged contravention of a by-law.
Looking tired and overwhelmed, Mhangazo did not want to comment on the charge that he faces, but placed his hand on his pro bono lawyer Shaun Balram s shoulder in a gesture of gratitude.
The State is now pressing charges of contravening the National Environmental Management Act against Frederick Mhangazo in connection with a fire on Devil’s Peak, Cape Town. Until the morning of Wednesday, 28 April, it was pressing charges of arson against him. It is not yet clear which section of the act he is said to have violated.
Mhangazo was released on R500 bail in the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday. The matter will proceed in court on 18 June. It was postponed to allow for further investigations.
In addition, the matter was moved from the regional court to the district court.
Nine people taken to hospital for breathing problems as Cape Town roads reopen after fire drama
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Cape Town – Nine people were taken to hospital with breathing challenges after smoke inhalation and six firefighters sustained injuries while battling the ravaging wildfire on the slopes of Table Mountain.
Eleven structures were damaged, including two properties in the Rosebank area, six buildings at UCT, including the Jagger library, two heritage buildings, among them the Mostert’s Mill and a restaurant at Rhodes Memorial.
The City said on Wednesday morning that all roads have been reopened.
’’As we enter day four of the Rhodes Memorial incident, the fire has now been contained with only sporadic flare-ups in the Deer Park area, which pose no threat,’’ the City said.
PHOTO: Luke Daniel/Business Insider
The man accused of starting a fire on the slopes of Table Mountain has appeared in court.
The 35-year-old accused was arrested on Sunday night.
Firefighters have been battling a blaze on Table Mountain for three days.
A 35-year-old man who lives in a makeshift structure on the slopes of Table Mountain appeared in court on Tuesday for arson.
Frederick Mhangazo was apprehended by neighbourhood watch and law enforcement officials on Sunday night and is accused of starting a new fire during the existing blaze.
He was represented pro bono by private lawyer Shaun Balram, who told News24 he had been contacted to provide legal assistance to Mhangazo.
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