State says MP Fadiel Adams shows ‘resentment’ toward task team, risks evading trial

Adams

Durban – The State has opposed bail for Fadiel Adams, leader of the National Coloured Congress, arguing that he harbours resentment toward the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) and poses a risk of interfering with investigations and evading trial.

Adams appeared in the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday after his arrest in Cape Town on 5 May.

He faces three charges of defeating the ends of justice and two fraud charges linked to allegations that he interfered with investigations into the murder of late ANC Youth League leader Sindiso Magaqa.

The prosecution presented an affidavit from the investigating officer, arguing that Adams repeatedly attacked the PKTT publicly and made comments viewed as defamatory toward the unit and individuals linked to it.

State prosecutor Advocate Nokulunga Ngcobo told the court Adams’ “utterances and conduct indicate his resentment against the PKTT”.

The State further argued that Adams failed to hand himself over after learning of a warrant for his arrest, instead posting videos on social media in which he allegedly insulted PKTT members, referred to himself as a “fugitive”, and compared himself to Harrison Ford’s character in the film The Fugitive.

Prosecutors also cited a previous Equality Court matter involving the City of Cape Town’s municipal manager, alleging Adams ignored a court order to remove defamatory social media posts before criminal charges were later withdrawn following mediation.

The State argued Adams may evade trial, saying police struggled to trace him after he allegedly switched off his phone outside Parliament and could not easily be located at the addresses provided to investigators.

Prosecutors further claimed Adams contacted a State witness before his arrest and attempted to obtain a sworn statement linked to the investigation. The State also alleged Adams had been in possession of classified crime intelligence information.

In opposing bail, the prosecution argued Adams’ conduct showed disregard for the justice system, saying his actions amounted to “a Member of Parliament and lawmaker” giving “the court a middle finger”.

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