Compiled by Koedoe App
The political landscape in Cape Town has taken a dark and dramatic turn as Fadiel Adams, leader of the National Coloured Congress (NCC), leveled explosive allegations against JP Smith, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security. During his testimony before the Madlanga Commission on August 19, 2026, Adams claimed that Smith orchestrated a plot to have him assassinated.
Also read:
The Allegations
Adams testified under oath that Smith allegedly dispatched a junior DA councillor to Manenberg to meet with a former gang leader. According to Adams, the instruction was to inform the gang leader that his City tenders were being cancelled because Adams was “poking around” in municipal affairs. Adams argues this was a calculated move to incite the gang leader to “take him out” to protect criminal business interests.
The Rebuttal
JP Smith has vehemently denied these claims, dismissing them as “ludicrous” and a desperate political smear campaign. Smith maintains that these allegations are a reaction to the City’s intensified crackdown on gang-related extortion and tender fraud. He further noted that the NCC’s claims lack any empirical evidence and confirmed that he is pursuing legal action for defamation.
Commission Scrutiny
The credibility of the claims faced immediate pressure when the Commission’s chairperson, Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, reprimanded Adams for providing conflicting statements regarding his correspondence with the commission. While the “Black Books” of Cape Town’s underworld continue to be a hot topic, the battle between Adams and Smith has now shifted from the streets to the courtroom.
Sources: Smile 90.4FM|SABC News|Mail & Guardian
