Parliament's security in spotlight as MPs call for broader probe into 2022 fire

CAPE TOWN - Parliament security has come under the spotlight again with calls for a broader investigation into the devastating 2022 fire.

MPs on Friday said that the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also referred to as the Hawks, should investigate the security breach and not just focus on Zandile Mafe, who was arrested for starting the blaze.

The joint committee on the financial management of Parliament on Friday received an update from the Hawks on its ongoing investigation.

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Mafe, who was arrested for starting the fire, has been declared unfit to stand trial by the Western Cape High Court.

But that’s not enough for some MPs, who want the Hawks to widen the net and investigate more people.

Committee member, Bheki Radebe, also wants the security of Parliament to be investigated.

"Has Parliament now put in place a system so that this thing can never happen again? Because the assault on Parliament is an attack on the sovereignty of the state of South Africa."

The committee also received an update on the rebuilding of the National Assembly which is expected to be completed by 28 November 2026.