The Madlanga Commission has imposed strict restrictions regarding the testimony of North West businessman Suliman Carrim, particularly around his health.
During a hearing aimed at exploring details pertinent to Carrim’s involvement in ongoing investigations, Chair Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga ordered that Carrim’s medical condition should not be mentioned, and no party is allowed to disclose the particulars regarding his healthcare providers or the medical facility where he was treated.
The commission’s ruling follows revelations that Carrim failed to attend a scheduled testimony last week due to claims of ill health.
Last week, the commission was expected to play footage allegedly showing Carrim at a Western Cape shopping centre on the same day he was scheduled to testify, but he did not appear due to reported health concerns.
As the commission seeks to clarify the circumstances surrounding his non-appearance, it is currently awaiting possible CCTV footage from both the shopping centre and Woolworths.
This footage may play a crucial role in establishing whether Carrim’s claims of being unable to testify due to health issues can be substantiated.
During proceedings, evidence leader Advocate Matthew Chaskalson Sc pointed out a significant gap in the medical documentation submitted on behalf of Carrim.
He noted that although the document detailed Carrim’s medical condition, it did not explicitly declare that the businessman was medically incapacitated to answer questions for the commission.
Advocate Chaskalson has moved to subpoena Carrim’s doctors and obtain his medical records, seeking further clarity to assist in their urgent inquiry.
The commission has arranged for Carrim’s testimony to be taken in-camera this Friday at 2 p.m.
Carrim was implicated in an alleged money laundering scheme involving alleged crime mastermind Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and tender tycoon Hangwani Maumela.
It came to light during his previous testimony that he provided R10 million to Matlala’s Medicare24 company and entered a mining deal with Maumela.
Matlala was evasive about repayment but had paid R1.75 million by mid-March 2025.
Matlala asked Carrim to pay R750,000 to Maumela. He refused, but later paid R500,000 to Luthagha Trading Enterprise — allegedly linked to Maumela’s sister — after Maumela claimed he controlled the account.
Through Ziggy Investment, Carrim paid Luthagha over R42 million between December 2023 and November 2024, and a further R3 million through Tameez between August 2024 and March 2025.
sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za
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