National Coloured Congress leader Fadiel Adams faces mounting legal scrutiny as prosecutors opposed his bail application in the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court, accusing him of showing contempt for the courts. Adams has remained in custody since his arrest last week.
Prosecutor Advocate Nokulunga Ngcobo told the court that Adams allegedly interfered in investigations into the murder of former African National Congress Youth League secretary-general Sindiso Magaqa. The court heard that Adams visited Westville Prison between 2024 and 2025 with his phone, where he recorded statements from “Sonua,” a hitman currently serving time for killing Sindiso Satada.
The state further alleged that after learning a warrant had been issued for his arrest, Adams contacted one of the witnesses. According to the prosecution, he asked the witness to share their police statement.
“There is no way that he can stand here and say I didn’t know who the witness was, because he has already told the world and the country, ‘You know these people, who are they looking for? They’re looking for me. It’s because I went to prison and obtained a statement from Mr. Nia,’” Ngcobo told the court, adding that Adams knew who assisted him. “This is the person who was calling: ‘Come, come, come. Give me the statement that you’ve made to the police.’”
Ngcobo expressed concern over Adams’ actions, stating: “What bothers me is that he’s got the audacity of giving his official email for that statement to be sent, well knowing what he was doing.” The court heard that the witness did not comply, with the prosecutor noting: “Fortunately, the witness said to which I did not respond to the message and I did not send him my statement.”
The state argued there is sufficient reason to believe Adams may evade trial, as police struggled to locate him. Social media videos played in court showed Adams stating he knew the political killings task team was looking for him.
Adams has denied all allegations. He insisted his visit to Westville Prison was his duty as a member of Parliament, though the state argued the visit was not authorized. Regarding police difficulty locating him, Adams claimed authorities had the wrong address.
“I deny each and every allegation made against me in the strongest possible terms and plead not guilty to all five counts,” Adams told the court.
The state maintained that Adams behaved like someone with no regard for law enforcement officials, adding that his release would put the justice system under scrutiny.
Adams is scheduled to return to court on Friday.