NCC leadership mounts defence of Fadiel Adams amid arrest and PKTT affidavit

Party rejects what it calls a smear campaign

NCC Secretary-General Sakiena Frenchman addressed the media as party leadership responded to Adams’ arrest. The NCC said there has been “disinformation and misinformation” and described the arrest as a smear campaign intended to cast doubt on allegations of corruption raised by Adams.

Charges and custody

Adams is charged with two counts of defeating or obstructing the administration of justice and three counts of fraud. He appeared in the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court last week and remains in custody until Wednesday, according to the NCC account.

Parliamentary oversight and legal arguments

Frenchman argued that Adams acted within his rights when he visited an inmate at Westville Prison and that the statement he obtained from the inmate was for a parliamentary presentation to the Police Portfolio Committee in February 2025. She said such visits fall under the Correctional Services Act and the Standing Rules of Parliament, which allow members of relevant portfolio committees to visit correctional centres as part of oversight work.

Asked about an affidavit from DA MP Ian Cameron, which reportedly suggested Adams performed the visit without permission, Frenchman said that not obtaining prior permission from a committee chair is an internal parliamentary matter rather than a criminal offence. She cited Section 58 of the Constitution in arguing that MPs are protected from liability for submissions to Parliament or its committees.

Allegations about the PKTT

The NCC criticised the actions of the PKTT and its contingent of state prosecutors, saying their conduct is “fraught with intentional errors” and may contravene national laws and the Constitution. The party also questioned whether the PKTT had authority to enter parliamentary precincts to effect Adams’ arrest and said it would seek clarification from the Speaker of Parliament.

Party stance and next steps

Frenchman said the NCC will continue to expose corruption and fight what it describes as the plundering of state funds. The party called for due process, fairness and adherence to constitutional protections as the matter proceeds.