Parliament arson accused Zandile Mafe was referred for psychiatric observation to a facility outside the Western Cape in line with his request.

"My concerns for preferential treatment have been addressed," said Judge Nathan Erasmus to the man accused of starting the catastrophic fire at Parliament.

Mafe will be assessed by two psychiatrists and two psychologists who are ordered to establish whether he suffered from a mental illness or intellectual disability at the time of the fire.

He will also be assessed for his capacity to stand trial for terrorism and arson. Erasmus ordered that a report be delivered to himself before 8 May and the case was postponed until then.

Mafe accepted the order and left quietly for his imminent transfer to Fort England Psychiatric Hospital in the Eastern Cape.