The South African Police Service has issued a warrant of arrest for National Coloured Congress MP Fadiel Adams and called on him to present himself at his nearest police station in connection with allegations that he interfered with the investigation into the 2017 murder of ANC Youth League leader Sindiso Magaqa.

The Political Killings Task Team is in possession of a J50 warrant for Adams, who faces charges of fraud and defeating and or obstructing the course of justice. SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the warrant relates to serious allegations that Adams interfered with investigations at a sensitive and advanced stage.

Through investigations, the task team discovered that Adams allegedly interfered with the now convicted and sentenced hitman in the case.

Sibusiso Ncengwa, the hitman who carried out the murder of Magaqa, was sentenced to 25 years in prison in July 2025 after pleading guilty to 11 counts, including conspiracy to commit murder, murder, three counts of attempted murder, and firearms offences. He testified for the state and implicated former Umzimkhulu municipal officials in the murder.

Magaqa, who served as ANC Youth League secretary-general and as a councillor for Umzimkhulu Local Municipality, was shot alongside councillors Jabu Mzizi and Nonsikelelo Mafa outside a general dealer in Umzimkhulu in July 2017. He died from his injuries in September 2017. The motive was linked to political disputes over a multimillion-rand tender for a community hall upgrade.

Police have gone through extensive efforts to locate Adams, including visiting multiple addresses associated with him. Arrangements were made with his attorney for him to hand himself over on Monday, 4 May, at the Cape Town Central Police Station, but he has not cooperated.

Adams was scheduled to appear before a KwaZulu-Natal court on Monday but failed to do so. Despite numerous attempts by SAPS to make contact with his legal representative, Adams has not made himself available to police.

SAPS urged Adams to cooperate with law enforcement and hand himself over at his nearest police station without delay.

Adams was sworn in as an MP in June 2024 and serves as the founder and leader of the National Coloured Congress. In September 2025, KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi accused Adams of reckless handling of classified intelligence documents related to police investigations.

The murder trial of other accused in the Magaqa case, including former Umzimkhulu manager Zweliphansi Stanley Skhosana, former policeman Sbonelo Myeza, and businessman Mbulelo Mpofana, remains ongoing in the Pietermaritzburg High Court.