Member of Parliament Fadiel Adams has been released on R10,000 bail following his appearance in the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court in Durban on Friday.
Adams faces two counts of defeating the ends of justice and three counts of fraud. The State alleges that he falsely claimed to be on official parliamentary duty in order to gain access to a convicted hitman linked to the murder of former ANC Youth League Secretary General Sindiso Magaqa.
In granting bail, the court said it had considered whether Adams was a flight risk, the likelihood of him evading trial, and his personal circumstances, weighing these factors against the interests of justice.
The court noted that Adams has strong ties to South Africa, is a family man, and holds a position in Parliament, all of which reduced the risk of absconding.
“The overall question to be adjudicated upon is whether or not the applicant would stand trial,” the magistrate said, adding that he was satisfied Adams was a suitable candidate for bail.
The court also emphasised constitutional protections against arbitrary detention, noting that an arrested person is entitled to release on bail where it is in the interests of justice.
As part of his bail conditions, Adams has been ordered not to contact prosecution witnesses, including members of the South African Police Service, the Political Killings Task Team, Durban Metro Police officers, and Department of Correctional Services personnel.
He must also report in person to Mitchells Plain Police Station in Cape Town on Tuesdays and Saturdays between 06:00 and 20:00, and notify the investigating officer if he travels for work-related reasons.
Adams is due back in court on 14 August as the case proceeds.