National Coloured Congress (NCC) president and Member of Parliament Fadiel Adams is set to appear in the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court tomorrow for his formal bail application after spending more than a week in custody.
Adams faces three counts of fraud and two counts of defeating or obstructing the administration of justice. The charges stem from allegations that he unlawfully interfered in the high-profile 2017 murder investigation of former ANC Youth League secretary-general Sindiso Magaqa. According to the state, Adams made unauthorised visits to Westville Prison between November 2024 and January 2025. Prosecutors claim he falsely presented himself as acting in his official capacity as a member of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Police.
During these visits, he allegedly met convicted Magaqa hitman Sibusiso Ncengwa and inmate Bonginkosi Dlamini, recorded audio statements on his cellphone, and took affidavits without legal representatives present. Adams was arrested on 5 May at his home in Cape Town’s Parliamentary village after a warrant was issued for his failure to appear in court.
Police transported him by road under escort to KwaZulu-Natal, where he has been held at a secret location known only to his legal team and the court. During his first appearance last week, state advocate Zwelethu Mata raised concerns about Adams’ public statements, describing them as a “catch-me-if-you-can” attitude that suggested he was a flight risk.
The magistrate granted the state additional time to gather evidence opposing bail, noting that “there is evidence that needs to be ascertained.” Defence attorney Bruce Hendricks is expected to argue strongly for Adams’ release, pointing out that his client is not accused of any violent crime and that investigators had more than a year to build their case. The case continues to draw attention, with NCC supporters maintaining a vigil outside Parliament in Cape Town despite cold and rainy conditions.