By Johnathan Paoli
ANC-linked North West businessman Suliman Carrim claims he advanced R500,000 to alleged looting kingpin Hangwani Morgan Maumela only after being approached by associate Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala, who, he said, promised to reimburse him later.
Appearing before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, Carrim testified that he agreed to make the payment on Matlala’s behalf despite misgivings, describing the transaction as a favour undertaken on the assurance that the money would be repaid.
“Matlala called to advance money to Maumela on his behalf. He said in his next payment he’d reimburse me. I needed to keep Maumela happy,” Carrim said.
He later added that fear also influenced his decision.
“I went ahead with the payment due to pressure from Matlala. I have kids and a family I have to protect. I didn’t want to get into their cross hairs,” he stated.
Carrim confirmed he ultimately paid R500,000, despite being asked to provide R750,000, to Luthaga Trading Enterprise.
Evidence before the commission showed the funds moved through companies linked to Carrim, including Ziggy and Tameez, to Luthaga Trading Enterprises.
Carrim acknowledged the paper trail but rejected any criminal intent.
“I acted in good faith, believing I was dealing with honourable people,” he said.
Evidence leader Mathew Chaskalson questioned Carrim’s familiarity with Maumela and the nature of their relationship.
Carrim replied that he had by chance bought Maumela’s residence in 2021 while looking for a house in Johannesburg with his son.
He clarified that they only met in person the following year when issues arose with the property and became friends and later worked on a business idea which required funding.
Carrim said the pair formed a venture called Chrome Core, but without a bank account, proceeds were channelled through his company.
“At the time Chrome Core didn’t have an account and any monies made from selling an asset was put into my company’s account, Ziggy. Maumela put in R56 million as an investment into the business, while I put in R55 million,” he said.
He told the commission he later repaid Maumela at his request, who said he needed to pay contractors who were building his home.
Chaskalson put it to Carrim that the financial flows resembled criminal proceeds shared among three parties, adding that Matlala and Maumela “constitute a syndicate involved in extensive tender fraud”.
He further warned that transactions between Carrim-linked entities and Luthaga Trading Enterprises “could be seen as money laundering”.
Earlier, Chaskalson stressed a separate R10 million Carrim advanced to Matlala, asking why did he get into business knowing about the Matlala allegations.
“Matlala was impressive in capacity and someone who knows what he’s doing. If he was shady, why would SAPS give him a contract?” Carrim replied.
Carrim maintained he was unaware of wrongdoing, after Chaskalson suggested he should have recognised manipulation of police systems.
He added that the scale of the police tender influenced his risk-taking.
“The R360 million linked to Matlala’s SAPS tender was what motivated me to risk R10 million of my own money,”
Chaskalson indicated the commission may recommend money laundering charges against Carrim, Matlala and Maumela, saying the transactions appeared to violate anti-racketeering laws.
Carrim rejected the allegation.
“I became entangled in a complex network of individuals and was solely conducting business activities. I refute all allegations of money laundering,” he said.
Proceedings adjourned with Carrim scheduled to continue testimony on Tuesday morning.
He was directed to return with key documents, including agreements linked to Medicare24, Chrome Core and correspondence advising Matlala to route payments through Carrim linked companies.
Meanwhile, the deadline for the commission has been extended by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The commission is now required to submit a second interim report by 29 May and a final report upon completion of the inquiry on 31 August.
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