'Adams illegally accessed state secrets'

IN SENSATIONAL claims made at the ongoing Madlanga Commission, National Coloured Congress Fadiel Adams illegally accessed and shared crime intelligence. 

KZN Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi testified on Thursday that the MP had shared classified information and handled it “recklessly”.

With the inquiry into the corruption of top cops and the justice system in full swing, Mkhwanazi told the commission in Pretoria that the sensitive intelligence was intended exclusively for vetted members of the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence, a parliamentary body tasked with overseeing intelligence services. 

Notably, MP Adams is not a member of this committee.

However, according to Mkhwanazi, Adams used his position to gain access to intelligence information. 

He said: “Adams does not serve on that committee, yet he reportedly accessed and recklessly handled this intelligence, including sharing it publicly.”

The police commissioner emphasised that Adams' actions had a direct impact on the work of the KZN Provincial Political Task Team (PKTT), potentially compromising ongoing investigations.

Mkhwanazi detailed that Adams had opened three criminal cases in Cape Town in 2024, followed by similar cases lodged in Gauteng. 

Adams also had sent an email to now-suspended Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu complaining about the service. 

However, Mkhwanazi argued these complaints lacked substantive criminal elements and instead focused on internal SAPS vetting procedures - a matter Adams should not have had jurisdiction over due to the classified nature of the information involved.

According to Mkhwanazi, the intelligence accessed by Adams included unverified allegations that SAPS was manipulating its vetting processes, and that funds from a classified secret account were allegedly being misused to purchase vehicles for the PKTT.

Mkhwanazi pointed out that Adams could not provide any evidence to substantiate these claims and had no official access to detailed financial records of the secret fund, highlighting concerns over improper access and political interference.

He added: “These are classified matters. Adams’ allegations are based on incomplete information and are being assessed through formal criminal investigations.”

The top cop also told the commission that investigators had identified a pattern of political overreach into sensitive law enforcement operations, suggesting broader systemic interference across government institutions.

He said the commission would be presented with further evidence pointing to potential breaches of national security protocols involving other political figures.