National Coloured Congress leader Fadiel Adams was arrested today, Tuesday, just hours after obtaining an urgent High Court order compelling police to hand over the warrant for his arrest and all supporting documents.
The arrest came one day after the Western Cape Division of the High Court in Cape Town granted Adams an ex parte application before the Honourable Mr Justice Njokweni, citing an “imminent risk of arrest” and a “reasonable apprehension of unlawful arrest”.
The order, dated Monday 4 May 2026, directed the second and third respondents, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi (KZN Provincial Police Commissioner) and Lieutenant Colonel Matjila (Acting Crime Detection), to furnish Adams’ attorneys with a copy of the J50 warrant for his arrest within 24 hours, if any exists.
The court further ordered the respondents to provide all documents submitted in support of the application for the warrant. Police are permitted to redact personal information such as the identities of informants and specific addresses before disclosure.
Adams was granted leave to bring the application as a matter of urgency under Rule 6(12), with any non-compliance relating to time limits, form, and service condoned. The application was heard on an ex parte basis due to the imminent risk of arrest.
A rule nisi was issued calling on the respondents to show cause within 24 hours of service why they should not comply.
Despite the court order, Adams was arrested on Tuesday morning. No immediate details were available on whether police had complied with the order to disclose the warrant documentation before the arrest took place.
Service of the order was directed to be effected upon the respondents by email. No order was made as to costs unless the order is opposed.
According to the South African Police Service, Adams is facing charges of fraud and defeating or obstructing the ends of justice.
The charges stem from allegations that he interfered with an ongoing investigation into the murder of former ANC Youth League secretary-general Sindiso Magaqa.