The case against Zandile Christmas Mafe, the man accused of starting the massive fire at Parliament on Sunday, has been postponed. Mafe was arrested by members of the Protection and Security Services, a division of the police service responsible for security at Parliament when they noticed the building was on fire.

When Mafe arrived at the dock, he removed his mask and did a 360 turn as cameras flashed. Mafe faces several charges, among them charges under the explosives act, theft, arson and housebreaking.

The State requested that the matter be postponed to verify the information of Mafe for his bail application. They also wanted to wait for the damages in Parliament to be assessed.

Mafe is being represented by Private attorney Luvuyo Godla, and he argued that Mafe should be released on bail because he poses no flight risk. They were disputing that the "poor person" furnished all details to authorities, and they have not gone to establish his address.

"My client denies these charges, and that is why he is pleading not guilty," said Godla outside the court.

Court has granted a 7-day remand of the matter for the State to collect bail information and inspection at the crime scene after it is declared safe. The case is postponed to 11 January.

Mafe will remain in custody.