National Coloured Congress leader Fadiel Adams has been arrested by the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) over allegations linked to his alleged interference in the investigation into the 2017 killing of former ANC Youth League secretary-general Sindiso Magaqa.
Police confirmed that Adams was detained on Tuesday, May 5th, at the Parliamentary Village after authorities carried out a J50 warrant of arrest. He is facing charges of fraud as well as defeating or obstructing the course of justice. Officials had earlier instructed him to report to a police station, but he failed to do so.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe stated that the warrant relates to allegations that Adams interfered with an ongoing investigation. She explained that investigators believe he engaged with a convicted hitman linked to the Magaqa case during a sensitive stage of the probe.
Mathe also noted that police had made repeated efforts to trace Adams, including visits to addresses associated with him. She added that arrangements had been made for him to surrender on Monday at Cape Town Central Police Station, which he failed to do. He was also expected to appear in a KwaZulu-Natal court on the same day but did not attend.
The allegations stem from claims that Adams obtained a statement from an individual linked to the murder investigation, which authorities say may have affected ongoing proceedings. The PKTT has been leading renewed efforts in the long-running case, which has already resulted in convictions. In July 2025, hitman Sibusiso Ncengwa was sentenced to 25 years’ imprisonment for his role in the killing.
Adams has denied wrongdoing and argued that his actions formed part of his official parliamentary duties. He has also accused police of targeting him and attempting to silence his work. In earlier remarks, he claimed he was involved in taking a statement from a convicted killer linked to the case and questioned the legality of the warrant issued against him.
Police have not publicly addressed all of Adams’ broader allegations.
