Three suspects face arson and public violence charges over Germiston Home Affairs fire

Three suspects charged with arson and public violence linked to the burning of the Germiston Home Affairs office and a protest on August 12 appeared for the third time before the Germiston Magistrates’ Court on August 27.

The accused are Mofart Phiri, a Zimbabwean national; Simango; and Given Mlambo.

During his last court appearance, Phiri faced an additional charge of illegal immigration under Section 49 of the Immigration Act.

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At today’s proceedings, defence advocate Tshepo Kapa withdrew his client Mlambo’s bail application before the magistrate adjourned the matter until after lunch.

The state further argued that Phiri had a pending case, though his attorney, Manety Shirindzi, countered that he was unaware of such a matter when he took over representation last week and that no proof of pending charges or warrants of arrest had been presented.

Initially, only Phiri and Simango were charged.

Mlambo was added as the third accused during their second court appearance, when a possible bail application was considered.

Kapa, who initially represented Phiri, switched to represent Mlambo, with Shirindzi taking over Phiri’s defence. Attorney Tebogo Chauke continued representing Simango.

It was previously established that all three suspects had no pending cases, though Phiri was later charged with contravening immigration laws.

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The investigating officer has since confirmed that the accused have valid residential addresses.
Today, both Shirindzi and Chauke presented bail arguments for Phiri and Simango, while Warrant Officer Mnisi testified under oath about the investigation.

After hearing arguments, Magistrate Mrs Baloyi postponed the matter to August 29, when judgment on the bail applications will be delivered. The three suspects remain in custody.