Fadiel Adams is expected to go on trial in September over alleged interference in the murder case of ANC councillor Sindiso Magaqa. Adams made a brief appearance in the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court on Friday, where the State confirmed that its investigation had been completed. The matter was transferred to the Pinetown Regional Court for trial.
Adams, who leads the National Coloured Congress (NCC) and serves as a Member of Parliament, faces charges of fraud and defeating the administration of justice. He is expected to return to court on September 11. The charges relate to his alleged interference in the Magaqa murder case.
Fadiel Adams Bail Conditions Remain In Place
Adams was granted R10,000 bail in May. Magistrate Wendalyn Robinson imposed strict conditions, including requiring him to report to Mitchells Plain police station twice a week. He was also prohibited from communicating with witnesses, SAPS officers, Durban Metro police officers and members of the Political Killings Task Team.
The court further ordered Adams to live between two addresses, one in Mitchells Plain and the other at his residence in Parliamentary Village. The conditions remain in place as he prepares for trial.
Adams Accused Of Unauthorised Westville Prison Visits
The State alleges that Adams visited Westville Prison on November 2, 2024, and January 24, 2025, where he interviewed two trial-awaiting inmates without authorisation from investigators or their legal representatives. One inmate was in custody in connection with the Magaqa murder case, while the other was facing a separate partly heard case.
[Madlanga Commission: Bevan Loftus’ Father Denies Son Was Involved In Drugs Or Killings]
The State also alleges that Adams recorded the interviews. National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara previously said Adams allegedly misrepresented himself as being on official duty.
“In doing so, the accused allegedly misrepresented to the various authorities, including the SAPS, eThekwini metro police, and officials at the Westville Prison/Correctional Centre, that he was on official duty.
“Given this impression, authorities then arranged an official escort for him from King Shaka International Airport to the Westville Correctional Centre and back. Further, the State alleges that he was not officially mandated by Parliament to conduct these visits,” Ramkisson-Kara said.
Fadiel Adams To Return To Madlanga Commission
SEE TODAY'S TOP HEADLINES ACROSS LEADING PUBLICATIONS
Adams is also expected to appear before the Madlanga Commission on August 19. His previous appearance was postponed after evidence leaders received his sworn affidavit and supporting documents only hours before his scheduled testimony on August 11.
The commission is expected to question Adams about sensitive Crime Intelligence documents that he says were anonymously delivered to his parliamentary office. It will also examine issues surrounding a Section 27 affidavit used in investigations involving senior Crime Intelligence officials.
