The man accused of setting fire to the Mpumalanga ANC provincial offices made a brief second appearance in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court yesterday, Friday March 25.

According to the provincial NPA spokesperson, Monica Nyuswa, the accused is a former uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) member and military veteran. Hevy Sidney Khumalo (55) of White River is charges of arson and attempted murder.

She said that during his first appearance on March 18, Khumalo had wanted to act as his own defence, but later changed his mind and elected the services of a legal representative.

Nyuswa said the alleged arson incident occurred on March 17.

“It is alleged that the accused poured petrol over the office, and the employees present at the time, and set them alight. He fled the scene, but was immediately arrested,” she said.

The matter was postponed to March 30 for the bail hearing.