Allegations of an alleged plot involving senior Democratic Alliance (DA) councillors have sparked legal consultations, denials, and a heated war of words between the DA and National Coloured Congress (NCC) leader Fadiel Adams.
Carl Pophaim, the DA’s Mayoral Committee (Mayco) member for Human Settlements, confirmed that he is seeking legal advice following serious accusations levelled by Adams, who claims to have evidence of a conspiracy against him.
Adams revealed during a press briefing at Parliament on Monday that he has already reported the matter to law enforcement and submitted what he described as significant evidence in support of his claims.
“On 30 May 2025, I received a very disturbing phone call,”
Adams told journalists.
He alleged that the caller was a senior DA official who disclosed troubling information, prompting him to act for the safety of his loved ones.
“The person on the other end of the line was a senior member of the Democratic Alliance, and I am not happy about what I am about to do, but I do value my family more than my friends.”
South Africans, what tf is going on? Here’s a whole Member of Parliament, Fadiel Adams, head of the NCC, livestreaming alleged proof that a DA leader, JP Smith, Mayoral Committe member at the City of Cape Town, has put out a hit on his life.
Adams was allegedly forewarned by… pic.twitter.com/tmHcbf9bhq
— Rahul SA 🇿🇦 (@Rahul_AJ_1990) June 30, 2025
Adams further alleged that Deidre de Vos, another DA Mayco member, had been sent to Manenberg by JP Smith, the Mayco member for Safety and Security. The purpose, he claimed, was to approach Faiek Moses, a former gang member now involved in subcontracting work in the area. According to Adams, De Vos allegedly warned Moses that both his DA membership and contract opportunities were under threat, purportedly to ignite conflict between Moses and Adams.
De Vos, however, firmly rejected the accusations, describing them as entirely unsubstantiated.
“I vehemently deny the allegations made,”
De Vos stated.
She went on to criticise the potentially harmful consequences of such claims, particularly in a volatile community like Manenberg.
“Mr Adams is well aware of the consequences these allegations will have on a community such as Manenberg. The narrative run by Mr Adams has now endangered my life and the lives of my family…”
Moses, the individual at the centre of the controversy, currently holds no contractual agreements with the City of Cape Town, De Vos confirmed, dismissing the notion that contract opportunities were being weaponised for political manipulation.
Pophaim expressed deep concern over the implications of Adams’ statements, stating they posed a significant risk to both his safety and that of his colleagues.
“I am not aware of, and have not participated in, any planned threat against Mr Adams, and cannot comment on the conclusions he has drawn on his own accord,”
Pophaim said.
He categorically dismissed the accusations, framing them as baseless and legally unsound.
“These allegations are unfounded and baseless in fact and law and hold no merit. This is the personal conclusion drawn by Mr Adams for his own personal or political interests. I am currently consulting my legal counsel in this regard based on preliminary information available to me to determine legal remedies which can be undertaken.”
Despite these denials, Adams maintains the threats stem from his ongoing efforts to expose what he alleges to be corruption within the City of Cape Town, including suspected tender irregularities and connections to organised crime networks. He revealed that, for security reasons, his family has been relocated to a safe location.
The unfolding political drama has fuelled further tension between the DA and the NCC. Smith, also implicated by Adams, dismissed the accusations as nothing more than a reputational smear campaign orchestrated by Adams and the NCC.
“It has come to my attention that more misinformation is once again being spread by the NCC and its relevance-starved leader, Fadiel Adams…”
Smith remarked, confirming that legal action would be initiated in response.
The NCC has since issued a statement criticising the DA’s handling of the situation, accusing councillors of using informal channels to defend themselves instead of following formal legal procedures.
“Their attempt to act as judges, prosecutors, or legal experts on WhatsApp groups and Facebook is misleading and irresponsible.”
the NCC said.
