By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The case of the suspected Johannesburg arsonist, identified as Alfred Maphutha, has been postponed to next week.
Maphutha, 36, briefly appeared at the Randburg Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.
He faces one count of murder, 24 counts of arson and a further 24 counts of housebreaking, which he allegedly committed in Johannesburg northern suburbs since February 2020.
The case was postponed to October 18 for him to obtain legal representation. Magistrate Hleziphe Mkhasibe ordered that no pictures of Maphutha be taken until he gets a lawyer.
Maphutha told the court he wants to appoint his own attorney and does not require legal aid.
“I would like to contact my family and ask them to arrange an attorney for me. My family is not even aware that I’m appearing in this court today [Thursday]. I’ve been unable to contact them because police took my phone when they arrested me,” he said.
Maputha was arrested by the Serious and Violent Crime Unit following information received from National Crime Intelligence.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said she did not know why the police would publish an accused’s name before appearing in court.
“The accused before the court is named Alfred Maphutha – if the media has a different name, they should check with the police,” Mnjondondwane told the media.
“I would also not be in a position to tell as to how the name of the suspect was given to the media before the suspect can appear in court.
“We know that the naming of suspects who are suspected to have committed a crime will only happen after the person has appeared in court,” Mjonondwane added.
She said the state would still needs to verify if the accused had been previously convicted of any crimes.
At this stage, investigations are ongoing in terms of profiling the accused person, and that is looking at any other pending cases or convictions that he might have on his name.
“As the NPA, at this current point we cannot confirm nor deny whether the accused person has got any pending or previous convictions,” she said.
She said the information will be provided regarding his previous convictions or pending cases to the NPA as they prepare for the bail application stage.