Fadiel Adams calls arrest warrant ‘intimidation’

The South African Police Service (SAPS) Political Killings Task Team has issued a warrant of arrest for National Coloured Congress leader Fadiel Adams.

Police on Tuesday called on the Member of Parliament to present himself at his nearest police station.

They said the request relates to allegations of fraud and defeating the ends of justice.

Authorities allege that Adams interfered with investigations into the murder of former ANC Youth League leader Sindiso Magaqa.

Adams says he offered to cooperate

Adams said in an interview with eNCA that he had already reached out to senior SAPS officials about three weeks ago after learning that his arrest was imminent.

“I offered to hand myself over about a month ago. This is a clear case of intimidation. They need to discredit me before the chickens come home to roost,” he said.

Adams also accused police of failing to inform his legal team about the exact charges against him.

“They didn’t want to tell us, but now they can tell the nation,” he said.

Tension with crime intelligence leadership

He linked the warrant to his recent criticism of Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo, the head of Crime Intelligence.

“I am not afraid. If they think they can intimidate me, they will have to try a whole lot harder. I will not bow to an alleged criminal or his cronies. They are going to jail,” Adams said.

Adams said he would present himself at a police station on Wednesday.

“But I will not hand myself over to a bunch of thugs. I will hand myself over to a proper policeman at a proper time,” he said.