Chumasande Matiwane|Published
National Coloured Congress leader and Member of Parliament Fadiel Adams appeared in the Mitchells Plain Magistrates’ Court on October 8, 2026, on charges of animal cruelty following an investigation by the SPCA into the conditions in which animals were being kept on his property.
Adams is due to appear in court again on November 22, 2026, for plea and trial.
According to the SPCA, the case dates back to late April 2024, when inspectors followed up on concerns about the living conditions of dogs on the property.
The organisation said Adams initially denied inspectors access and told them to return later that day.
When they returned, the property was tidy, the SPCA said, adding that this suggested “the owner had hastily cleaned the animals’ living spaces”.
SPCA raises concerns about African Grey parrot
During the inspection, an inspector noticed an African Grey parrot in a cage that appeared to be neglected, according to the SPCA.
The organisation said the bird suffered from severe feather loss. The owner was issued a written warning to have the parrot examined by an exotic bird veterinarian.
The owner complied, and the veterinarian provided recommendations to improve the bird’s condition and alleviate stress.
However, during a follow-up visit, Adams allegedly accused the SPCA of harassment and refused to comply with inspectors.
Following an argument, the owner reluctantly agreed to a specific inspection time but warned the inspector to “tread very carefully”. The SPCA said Adams then denied inspectors access when they returned.
Court order obtained to inspect property
The SPCA said it obtained an order from the Mitchells Plain Magistrates’ Court on July 2, 2024, allowing inspectors to secure a court order if an owner or occupier refused them access.
The organisation said inspectors subsequently returned to the property with members of the South African Police Service.
The SPCA said: “Armed with the court order, our Inspectors, accompanied by the South African Police Service, returned to the property. The owner was informed of the court order but responded with threats, claiming the Inspectors “do not know who they are dealing with.” Despite this, our team proceeded with the inspection.
The parrot was confiscated and taken to an avian and exotic veterinarian for further examination.
According to the SPCA, the veterinarian concluded that keeping the bird in those conditions was inhumane and that, without treatment, it would continue to suffer.