Fadiel Adams’ release on bail marks a turning point, with his legal team preparing to challenge the State’s case.
Image: Leon Lestrade/Independent Newspapers
The release of Fadiel Adams on bail has been met with relief from his party, colleagues and supporters, 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.
He was granted bail with strict conditions. These include that he may not have any contact with State witnesses, including members of the Political Killings Task Team, 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 Mitchell’s Plain Police Station between 6 am and 8 pm, and has been warned not to interfere with witnesses or the ongoing investigation. The matter has been postponed to August for further proceedings.
Speaking after the ruling, Adams’ attorney, Bruce Hendricks, said the defense was satisfied that the court had properly applied the law.
"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," Hendricks said.
"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."
He added that Adams had been advised to strictly adhere to all of his bail conditions.
Adams himself has also hinted at a more combative approach going forward. Speaking to other media after his release, he said he would take time to regroup before "the gloves come off".
The National Coloured Congress (NCC), where Adams serves as a senior figure, also welcomed the development.
In a statement issued by party representative Hanif Loonat, the NCC said it trusted that the legal process would now proceed fairly and without prejudice.
"We welcome the release on bail of Fadiel Adams and trust that due legal process will now proceed fairly, transparently, and without prejudice," Loonat said.
He added that the matter had attracted significant public attention, particularly around concerns raised about the circumstances of Adams’ arrest, detention and transport.
"While the courts will ultimately determine the legal merits of the case, it remains important that the constitutional rights and dignity of every citizen are protected at all times," he said.
Loonat said the granting of bail reaffirmed the principle that every individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty, warning against "trial by media, political manipulation, and the abuse of state institutions".
He further called for calm and restraint.
"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," he said.
He added that public concerns around the handling of the matter could not be ignored, stressing the need for transparency and accountability from authorities.
Attempts to get comment from Adams’ family were unsuccessful at the time of publication.
Cape Times