National Coloured Congress leader and MP Fadiel Adams was released on R10,000 bail by the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court, after a dramatic hearing that saw his lawyer argue against the State’s claims that he is a flight risk.
Adams, who has been at the center of controversy in recent weeks, was arrested by the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) at the Parliamentary Village on Tuesday, May 5. The State had argued that Adams had made a mockery of the unit, which he described as a rogue unit, and that his conduct was a clear attempt to evade trial.
Bail Conditions
Magistrate Wendalyn Robinson imposed strict bail conditions on Adams, including that he report to the Mitchells Plain police station two days a week. He is also prohibited from any communication with any witnesses, SAPS officers, Durban Metro police officers, as well as any members of the PKTT.
According to the South African Government website, the PKTT is a specialized unit that investigates and prosecutes cases of political violence. Adams’s lawyer, advocate Yuri Gangai, had argued that the State’s claims against his client were unfounded and that he was not a flight risk.
Background to the Case
The case against Adams is complex and involves allegations of contempt of court and defeating the ends of justice. The State has accused Adams of visiting Westville Prison/Correctional Centre and conducting himself in a manner that was seen as obstructing the administration of justice.
As the South African Parliament website notes, MPs are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity and respect for the law. Adams’s conduct, which has been described as a cat and mouse game, has raised questions about his fitness to hold public office.
The following are some of the key points to emerge from the case:
- Adams was released on R10,000 bail and is expected to return to court on August 14.
- He is prohibited from communicating with any witnesses or members of the PKTT.
- He is required to report to the Mitchells Plain police station two days a week.
