The bail application of National Coloured Congress (NCC) leader and Member of Parliament Fadiel Adams was postponed to Friday at the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court.
Adams was arrested on Tuesday last week at the Pelican Park Parliamentary Village by the Political Killings Task Team.
He faces charges of alleged interference in the case involving the murdered African National Congress (ANC) councillor Sindiso Magaqa.
Legal team beefed up
Before proceedings got underway, the court heard that Adams had taken on an additional Durban-based legal team led by retired state advocate Yuri Gangai.
His lawyer, Bruce Hendricks, and his team took a back seat in the matter.
During the court appearance, the state began proceedings by outlining several reasons for opposing Adams’ bail application, all of which concern his recent conduct.
The court also heard how Adams had a history of disrespecting the rule of law, including the South African Police Service and the criminal justice system.
‘Adams prone to trial evasion’
Prosecutors also argued that, should Adams be released on bail, he would attempt to evade trial.
“The applicant’s conduct after he was made aware of the warrant for his arrest is indicative of someone who is prepared to evade trial. It took a lot of effort to trace him.”
The state further submitted that if Adams were released, he would influence or intimidate witnesses or destroy evidence.
Bail hearing postponed
The bail hearing was postponed to Friday to allow the state to continue with its closing arguments.
The NCC questioned the motives behind their leader’s arrest: “How is he being treated like a criminal without the full facts being known? We hope the state has completed its report and that justice will prevail.”
The case has drawn criticism from how it is handled.
The Muslim Judicial Council (MJC) said: “The MJC is of the considered view that the circumstances could and ought to have been addressed through less drastic and more proportionate means, particularly where the conduct in question appears intertwined with the exercise of parliamentary oversight responsibilities.”
- NCC leader and MP Fadiel Adams' bail application was postponed to Friday at Pinetown Magistrate’s Court.
- Adams was arrested by the Political Killings Task Team for alleged interference in the murder case of ANC councillor Sindiso Magaqa.
- Prosecutors oppose bail, citing Adams' history of disrespecting the law and potential to evade trial or influence witnesses.
- Adams has added a Durban legal team led by retired state advocate Yuri Gangai, with his original lawyers stepping back.
- The arrest and handling of the case have faced criticism from the NCC and Muslim Judicial Council as potentially disproportionate and politically motivated.
Adams was arrested on Tuesday last week at the Pelican Park Parliamentary Village by the Political
He faces charges of alleged interference in the case involving the murdered African National
Before proceedings got underway, the court heard that Adams had taken on an additional Durban-based legal team led by retired state advocate Yuri
His lawyer, Bruce
Prosecutors also argued that, should Adams be released on bail, he would attempt to evade trial.
“
