Legal counsel sought by DA councillor over serious allegations from NCC's Fadiel Adams

Democratic Alliance (DA) Mayco member for Human Settlements, Councillor Carl Pophaim, is consulting legal counsel over what he describes as slanderous and baseless allegations made by National Coloured Congress (NCC) leader Fadiel Adams, who claims he was the target of a plot involving a senior DA councillor.

In a press statement released on Friday, Adams said he reported the alleged plot to police weeks ago and submitted all available evidence.

He also claimed to possess a recording of Mayco member Deidre de Vos disclosing information to him, which he played for journalists during a press conference held at Parliament on Monday.

Pophaim said the allegations posed a safety risk to himself and 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,” he said.

“I take exception to the slanderous implications made in my name, which will cause an exceptional safety risk for me and my colleagues.”

He added: “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.”

Pophaim said his focus remained on delivering housing in Cape Town and that he would not be drawn into what he termed political distractions.

“However, my focus remains on the imminent task before me, which is to accelerate human settlements delivery in Cape Town. This is a mammoth task with extensive difficulties.

“This task, therefore, requires my absolute focus, and political distractions are just that - distractions. And must be avoided at all costs.”

Adams, however, alleged that the threats were linked to his efforts to expose alleged corruption in the city, including tender fraud and suspected links to gangs. He told the media that his family had been moved to a safehouse for protection.

“On 30 May 2025, I received a very disturbing phone call,” Adams said.

“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.”

He claimed the caller said JP Smith, Mayco member for Safety and Security, had deployed De Vos to Manenberg to approach Faiek Moses, a former gang member now said to be running small sub-contracts in the area.

Adams alleged that De Vos was instructed to warn Moses that his DA membership and contract opportunities were at risk, allegedly as a way to provoke conflict with Adams.

In response, De Vos called the claims “untenable” and said Moses currently had no contract with the city.

“I vehemently deny the allegations made,” De Vos said.

“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; however, above all, this will not preclude me from performing my duties without fear, favour or prejudice.”

Smith said the allegations amounted to a smear campaign.

“It has come to my attention that more misinformation is once again being spread by the NCC and its relevance-starved leader, Fadiel Adams, in an utterly ridiculous attempt to tarnish my reputation, that of the Democratic Alliance, and the City of Cape Town,” Smith said.

He confirmed that legal action would follow. “I have engaged my lawyers, and I will ensure appropriate legal action is taken against this continued slander.”

In response, the NCC issued a statement criticising the DA councillors for using social media to defend themselves rather than pursuing proper legal processes.

“To our knowledge, all three individuals are currently employed as councillors within the city and do not hold any formal legal qualifications,” the NCC said.

“Their attempt to act as judges, prosecutors, or legal experts on WhatsApp groups and Facebook is misleading and irresponsible.”

The party urged supporters not to be distracted by “self-appointed detectives and social media lawyers” and said it remained fully behind its leader.

*“Niks sal march nie,”* the statement concluded.

Cape Argus