South Africa parliament fire suspect had explosives - prosecutor

A man who allegedly set fire to South Africa's parliament was caught with explosives, prosecutors say.

Zandile Christmas Mafe is facing five charges - including two counts of arson - following the blaze which began tearing its way through the historic Cape Town building on Sunday.

The 49-year-old has denied all charges, and his lawyer has said he is a victim of mistaken identity.

Mr Mafe is the only person arrested in connection with the fire.

The blaze, which totally destroyed the National Assembly, or lower chamber, but injured no one, has shocked South Africa, and the court was packed ahead of Mr Mafe's appearance on Tuesday.

The sound of cameras clicking erupted as he entered the room wearing shorts and a creased shirt, and he appeared unkempt and dazed, according to the BBC's Nomsa Maseko.

Mr Mafe, who lives in a township called Khayelitsha which is south-east of the city centre, took off his mask and turned slowly to allow the photographers to capture his face during his appearance.

A spokesman for the National Prosecuting Authority said Mr Mafe was facing five charges:

"House breaking" with intent to steal and theft of "laptops, crockery and documents"
Two counts of arson
Possession of an explosive device
Destruction of essential infrastructure