National Coloured Congress (NCC) leader and member of parliament Fadiel Adams will remain in police custody after making his first appearance at the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
Adams was arrested on Tuesday by the Political Killings Task Team over allegations of fraud and obstructing justice linked to the high-profile murder of former ANC Youth League leader Sindiso Magaqa.
The court postponed the case for a formal bail application.
The NCC has vowed to fight the charges, saying their leader is being targeted for his oversight work in parliament.
In court, the state alleged that Adams visited convicted killer Sibusiso Ncengwa while Ncengwa was detained at Westville Correctional Facility during Magaqa’s trial.
The state also alleged that he brought in a cellphone and recorded a statement from the two hitmen accused of killing Magaqa.
NCC rejects charges
Prosecutors opposed bail, citing his defiant behaviour to adhere to a court order.
But Adams’ lawyer, Bruce Hendricks, told the court he had made several attempts to find out from the police if there was indeed a warrant for his arrest.
Hendricks said it was not in the interest of justice to keep Adams in custody, as he had minor children.
The court postponed the case for a formal bail application until May 13.
The NCC has rejected the charges as politically motivated, saying Adams is being targeted for his oversight role in parliament.
“Our president is a member of the national parliament and the police portfolio committee. Constituency work gives MPs the greatest opportunity to conduct individual oversight,” the party said.
“When our president took these oversight reports back to the police portfolio, they chose to ignore them.
“Now, a year later, they are charging him for the very same report he brought to parliament. This is very concerning and does not sit well with the NCC.”
PA supports Adams
The Patriotic Alliance (PA) has thrown its weight behind Adams, framing the arrest as part of a broader pattern of silencing coloured leaders.
“History has taught us that when our people raise their voices, they often meet resistance,” said PA national executive committee member Raatiqah Tagodien.
“We saw it with Ashley Kriel and Anton Fransch. Today, we must ask whether the same pattern is repeating itself in a different form.
“The Patriotic Alliance will not be silent when leaders fighting for coloured communities come under pressure.”
Visit SW YouTube Channel for our video content
- NCC leader and MP Fadiel Adams appeared in Pinetown Magistrate’s Court and remains in police custody.
- Adams was arrested by the Political Killings Task Team on allegations of fraud and obstructing justice related to the murder of former ANC Youth League leader Sindiso Magaqa.
- The court postponed the matter for a formal bail application.
- The National Coloured Congress claims Adams is being targeted due to his parliamentary oversight work.
- The case is ongoing and further updates are expected.
National Coloured
Adams was arrested on Tuesday by the Political
In court, the state alleged that Adams visited convicted killer Sibusiso
Prosecutors opposed bail, citing his defiant behaviour to adhere to a court order.
But Adams’ lawyer, Bruce
“Our president is a member of the national parliament and the police portfolio committee. Constituency work gives MPs the greatest opportunity to conduct individual oversight,” the party said.
“When our president took these oversight reports back to the police portfolio, they chose to ignore them.
"Now, a year later, they are charging him for the very same report he brought to parliament.
“History has taught us that when our people raise their voices, they often meet resistance,” said PA national executive committee member Raatiqah Tagodien.
"We saw it with
"
