Simmers-Adams harassment case: ‘Bloody coconut’ remark at centre of dispute

In a legal battle that will persist until December, DA provincial leader Tertuis Simmers and Patriotic Alliance (PA) provincial leader Brendon Adams are embroiled in a dispute over alleged harassment. The matter returned to the Bellville Magistrates Court for closing arguments, with Adams contesting Simmers' application for a protection order under the Protection from Harassment Act.

The dispute originated from a series of Facebook and WhatsApp posts allegedly authored by Adams between November 2025, one of which allegedly referred to Simmers as a "bloody coconut." Simmers contends that these publications constitute repeated harassment, infringing upon his privacy and causing him psychological and reputational harm.

Adams maintains that the dispute should be viewed through the lens of political debate and public commentary, asserting that freedom of expression is constitutionally protected, especially when public officials are questioned about their conduct and responsibilities. He acknowledged some of his language as confrontational and inappropriate, yet argued that the Protection from Harassment Act should not be utilized to protect politicians from criticism.

Simmers expressed his intention to await the court's decision before commenting further, while Adams emphasized the importance of accountability and robust debate in a democracy, stating that one cannot enter public life and expect to sue everyone who questions, criticizes, or challenges them. He also attributed the dispute to its political context, citing his departure from the DA and the subsequent loss of two wards to the PA in by-elections in George.

The case is set to be resolved on December 14, 2026, amidst a separate legal conflict between Simmers and the PA over allegations of vote-buying during three by-elections in George earlier this year.