The highly anticipated appearance of National Coloured Congress (NCC) leader and Member of Parliament Fadiel Adams before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry is now in doubt, with the commission indicating that he is unlikely to testify today, 11 August.
Adams had been subpoenaed to appear before the commission, where he was expected to give evidence relating to his involvement in an Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) investigation into allegations of corruption within Crime Intelligence.
However, the commission said on Tuesday morning that it was unlikely that Adams would take the stand because evidence leaders only received his sworn affidavit and supporting annexures late on Monday night.
“Given the significant public interest in the appearance of Mr Fadiel Adams before the Madlanga Commission, we deem it appropriate to inform the public that whilst Mr Adams is scheduled to appear under subpoena this (Tuesday) morning, he is unlikely to testify today,” commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels said.
According to the commission, the affidavit and related documents were only received after 9pm on Monday.
The delay comes as Adams’ evidence is expected to touch on a controversial chapter in the wider investigation into alleged criminality, political interference and corruption within South Africa’s criminal justice system.
Adams submitted a whistleblower report to IDAC in 2024 calling for an investigation into allegations involving the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) and its use of the secret services account.
He alleged that money from the covert fund was being used for expensive hotel accommodation and the purchase of luxury vehicles.
His expected appearance has attracted considerable public interest because of the broader questions surrounding the handling of his allegations by IDAC and the relationships between political figures, law-enforcement structures and investigators.
The commission has been examining allegations of political interference and corruption within the criminal justice system, with recent testimony raising questions about the conduct and decision-making of officials linked to the former IDAC.
Adams’ evidence was therefore expected to potentially provide another piece of the puzzle in understanding how allegations of corruption were handled and whether whistleblower complaints were properly investigated.
It remains unclear when Adams will ultimately testify.
The Madlanga Commission’s latest development means Tuesday’s proceedings could take a different direction as the evidence leaders consider the late submission and prepare to deal with the material.
The commission is being closely watched because its findings could have significant implications for policing, criminal investigations and accountability within South Africa’s justice system.
