Fadiel Adams Exposes Controversial Affidavit Incident at Madlanga Commission

In a dramatic turn of events at the Madlanga Commission, National Coloured Congress MP Fadiel Adams revealed troubling details regarding a mysterious fifth affidavit that has raised questions about procedural integrity within the Investigating Directorate of Corruption (Idac). Adams, who concluded his testimony after three days, disclosed that he had provided Idac investigators with four affidavits on January 6, 2025, but later that night, chief investigator Dylan Perumal visited his home for a separate, uncommissioned affidavit.

This late-night visit became a focal point of the inquiry on August 21, as both state prosecutor Drushantha Ramsamy and senior inspector Robert Raphesu testified that the fifth affidavit was not documented in their presence during the initial collection of statements. The implications of this new affidavit, and its timing, have sparked concerns about the motivations behind its creation and how it may have influenced the Idac investigation.

Former Idac head Andrea Johnson, who has been accused by Adams of orchestrating the request for the additional affidavit, faced intense scrutiny during her testimony. Adams alleged that during Perumal’s visit, he was on the phone with Johnson, who he identified as “the madam” directing the need for another statement to better structure the case. Johnson, however, denied any prior knowledge of the fifth affidavit, which creates a serious contradiction in the account of events.

The investigation initially focused on three individuals but later expanded to include several Crime Intelligence officials, resulting in charges against seven members, including Dumisani Khumalo, the head of the Political Killings Task Team. However, on the same day as Adams’ testimony, the National Prosecuting Authority withdrew charges against Khumalo and his co-accused, further complicating the unfolding saga.

During his testimony, Adams provided details about Perumal’s approach, stating that he was instructed to obtain the affidavit due to Johnson’s dissatisfaction with the way the case was being handled. He described a conversation where Perumal was on the phone, with a voice he recognized as Johnson’s, indicating she wanted “more meat” added to the case. The timing of Perumal's visit raised eyebrows, as it took place late at night, a factor that Commission chairperson Mbuyiseli Madlanga noted could indicate impropriety.

Adams recounted that he did not initially find the late-night meeting suspicious, believing it was part of normal investigative procedures. However, Madlanga pressed him on why he was not more cautious given the unusual circumstances. Adams maintained his trust in Perumal as a law enforcement officer, despite the irregularities. The Commission continues to explore the implications of Adams’ testimony, with questions about potential collusion and the integrity of the investigation looming large.

Source: www.dailymaverick.co.za