Suspended MP Fadiel Adams has told the Madlanga Commission that he now believes he was used by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) to pursue a criminal case against senior Crime Intelligence officials. Adams made the admission while testifying before the commission on Friday. He was questioned about his decision to lay charges after receiving confidential information relating to Crime Intelligence.
“I do believe I was used,” Adams told the commission.
Adams said he continued to believe the information he initially received was genuine, but the NPA’s decision to withdraw the charges had caused him to reassess the events surrounding the case. He said he would respect the findings of both the National Prosecuting Authority and the Madlanga Commission. His testimony also highlighted the personal costs he said he had faced as a result of his involvement.
“I believe that what I saw was real. However, the courts of the NPA made a determination. You will soon make a determination, and I will respect both,” he said.
Madlanga Commission Hears Adams Rejects Claims He Was Willing Participant
During the Madlanga Commission testimony, Adams was questioned about whether his actions had made him a willing participant in what the inquiry has heard was an allegedly engineered case. He rejected the suggestion and said he had gained nothing from becoming involved in the matter. Adams said his involvement had instead come at a significant personal cost.
“But I wasn’t a willing participant in anything. There was nothing in it for me. This has cost me big time,” Adams admitted.
Adams told the commission that the financial consequences of the matter had also affected his ability to secure legal representation. He said he could not afford to bring an attorney with him because of the costs involved. According to Adams, his motivation for becoming involved was linked to his desire to protect young people from violence and other social problems.
“This madness that I got myself into, it was only because I wanted to see our boys live. That’s the only reason,” he said.
Why Fadiel Adams Says He Was Targeted With Confidential Information
Adams said his history of activism against gang violence and drug abuse on the Cape Flats may have made him an obvious person to approach with the confidential material. He described himself as particularly outspoken on those issues and said he had also raised concerns through a police committee. Adams believes the person who left the information at his parliamentary office expected him to take action.
“I think I’m easily the most outspoken and active person regarding fighting gang violence and drug abuse on the Cape Flats, easily, by a mile,” he said.
[‘Our Spirits Are Inseparable’: Ramaphosa Reaffirms Zimbabwe Ties Amid Anti-Immigration Tensions]
Adams said he initially considered what could be done with the information but realised that its confidential nature prevented him from simply taking it to the media. The Madlanga Commission heard that Adams believes the person who supplied the information may have anticipated that he would approach law enforcement. He said he now understands why he may have been selected.
“Somebody thought I’ll either take it to the media or to the SAPS,” he said.
“Somebody probably put his money on, now this guy will lay a charge. I understand that now,” he said.
Adams also acknowledged that the developments had left him questioning some of the decisions he made. He said he had begun reconsidering aspects of what happened and his own role in the matter. Despite those doubts, Adams said he would probably still act in the same way if confronted with similar information.
“I’ve got many question marks and many questions. I’m even starting to doubt things that I did myself,” he said.
NPA Withdraws Charges Against Crime Intelligence Officials
The NPA withdrew fraud and corruption charges against Crime Intelligence head Dumisani Khumalo, Brigadier Dineo Mokwele and five other accused. The withdrawal has formed part of the evidence before the Madlanga Commission as questions continue to be raised about the investigation and the alleged role of IDAC in pursuing the case. Adams said the developments had contributed to his doubts about what happened.
“If tomorrow another envelope comes under my door, I shouldn’t, and my wife will be angry with me, but I’ll probably do the same thing,” he said.
SEE TODAY'S TOP HEADLINES ACROSS LEADING PUBLICATIONS
“I will go and lay charges. Because we need to turn the ship around, by any means necessary.”
Adams was later excused from the witness stand so that he could attend prayer. The Madlanga Commission is expected to receive a supplementary statement from Adams, which will include the Section 27 referral he said he signed and had commissioned. His testimony is expected to form part of the commission’s broader examination of the circumstances surrounding the withdrawn case.
