'The gloves come off': Adams vows to intensify legal battle against State
NCC leader Fadiel Adams is required to report twice a week, to the charge office at Mitchells Plain Police Station and has been warned not to interfere with witnesses or the ongoing investigation.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Newspapers
National Coloured Congress (NCC) leader Fadiel Adams is out on bail, with his legal team indicating that the focus will now shift towards preparing to challenge the State’s case.
Adams, who was arrested on May 5 at the parliamentary precinct in Cape Town, was released on R10 000 bail on Friday following his appearance in the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court, marking a significant turn in a matter that has drawn widespread public attention.
After his release, he told eNCA: “I’m going to take two days off, and the gloves come off. That’s all I’m going to say for now. Two days from now, then we get vicious.”
Bail was granted with strict conditions. These include that he may not have any contact with State witnesses, including members of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT), SAPS officials, Durban Metro Police officers or Department of Correctional Services employees linked to the case.
He is also required to report twice a week, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, to the charge office at Mitchells Plain Police Station between 6am and 8pm, and has been warned not to interfere with witnesses or the ongoing investigation. The matter has been postponed to August 14 for further proceedings.
Speaking after the ruling, Adams’ attorney, Bruce Hendricks, said: “From our side we are happy that he got bail.
“The magistrate properly applied the law and gave due consideration to all the factors we placed on record since day one and balanced that with the State’s opposition to release.
“People always forget the purpose of bail is to secure the attendance of an accused at trial and not punitive in nature. We will now start getting ready to fight the State’s case.”
The NCC, meanwhile, released a statement, saying: “We welcome the release on bail of Fadiel Adams and trust that due legal process will now proceed fairly, transparently, and without prejudice.
“We call for calm, restraint, and respect for the judicial process from all sectors of society.
“Supporters, critics, civil society organisations, and political stakeholders alike should allow the legal system to function independently and without interference.”