Man accused of starting one of Table Mountain fires granted bail Share Cape Town - The man alleged to have started one of the mountain fires in Cape Town, which firefighters battled for more than three days, was granted bail in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday. The charge against Frederick Mhangazo, 35, was changed from arson to lighting or causing an open fire without proper authority. If convicted, Mhangazo could be imprisoned for five years or be fined for his actions, or both if so ordered by the court. According to National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila, Mhangazo’s charge of arson was changed as he could not be linked to that crime. Ntabazalila confirmed that Mhangazo was granted bail of R500.