Fadiel Adams, leader of the National Coloured Congress, was taken into custody on Tuesday, just hours after securing a High Court order that mandated police to provide the warrant for his arrest along with all related documents.
This development followed a decision by the Western Cape Division of the High Court in Cape Town, where Adams was granted an ex parte application by the Honourable Mr Justice Njokweni due to an “imminent risk of arrest” and a “reasonable apprehension of unlawful arrest.”
The court’s order, issued on Monday, May 4, 2026, instructed the second and third respondents, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi (KZN Provincial Police Commissioner) and Lieutenant Colonel Matjila (Acting Crime Detection), to provide Adams’ legal representatives with a copy of the J50 warrant for his arrest within 24 hours, if it exists.
Additionally, the court required the respondents to submit all documents that were part of the warrant application process, with the option for police to redact sensitive details such as informants’ identities and specific addresses.
The application was deemed urgent under Rule 6(12), allowing for leniency regarding procedural timelines, forms, and notifications. This urgency was acknowledged in the court’s decision to hear the case ex parte due to the risk of arrest.
A rule nisi was issued, compelling the respondents to justify their actions within 24 hours of receiving service.
Despite this court ruling, Adams was arrested on Tuesday morning. Details regarding whether police adhered to the order and disclosed the warrant documentation prior to the arrest were still unavailable.
The order was to be served via email to the respondents. No ruling was made on costs unless the order faced opposition.
According to statements from the South African Police Service, Adams faces charges of fraud and obstructing justice. These allegations relate to his purported interference with an ongoing murder investigation involving former ANC Youth League secretary-general Sindiso Magaqa.
