National Coloured Congress leader and Member of Parliament Fadiel Adams has been remanded in custody at a location known only to his lawyer and family. He faces three charges of fraud and two charges of defeating the administration of justice.
Adams, who also serves on the Portfolio Committee on Police, was arrested in Cape Town on Tuesday, 5 May, by members of the Political Killings Task Team.
Police say Adams conducted two interviews in November 2024 and January 2025 with awaiting trial inmates at Westville prison. One of the inmates is linked to the murder of former ANC Youth League Secretary General Sindiso Magaqa, who was killed in 2017 after reporting corruption in the Umzimkhulu Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal.
The National Prosecuting Authority said the second inmate was in custody for a partly heard matter. During both interviews, Adams allegedly recorded the men without their lawyers present and without permission from prison officials.
The NPA said Adams misrepresented himself to SAPS, eThekwini Metro Police and prison officials by claiming he was mandated by Parliament. Based on this, authorities arranged an official escort for him from King Shaka International Airport to Westville Correctional Centre and back.
Adams’s lawyer, Bruce Hendricks, has requested that he receive medical assistance, as Adams was due for shoulder surgery and did not have his medication or medical aid card with him.
According to the People’s Assembly website, allegations of unethical conduct by MPs trigger formal processes to protect Parliament’s credibility. Parliament does not have an automatic suspension rule for MPs who are charged, but possible sanctions include a reprimand, fine, suspension of privileges, suspension from Parliament, or removal from office.
Portfolio Committee on Police chairperson Ian Cameron has raised concerns about Adams remaining on the committee, citing a direct conflict of interest. He said Adams has disrupted the committee and that constructive meetings have become difficult.
Security strategist Andy Mashaile said Adams brought the charges upon himself and questioned whether politicians think they are above the law.
EFF leader Julius Malema has criticised Adams’s arrest and transport to KwaZulu-Natal, calling it inhumane and disrespectful.
Adams is expected to appear in court again on Wednesday, 13 May.
