By Johnathan Paoli
The Madlanga Commission has postponed the scheduled testimony of North West businessman Suliman Carrim to 29 April after he was admitted to hospital, with Commission chairperson Mbuyiseli Madlanga granting the application to stand him down.
Carrim had been expected to continue his evidence before the inquiry on Thursday, but the schedule for the week changed after the commission was informed that he remained in hospital following a medical emergency earlier this week.
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On Thursday, evidence leader Mahlape Sello told the commission that chief evidence leader, Matthew Chaskalson, had been in contact with Carrim’s legal team.
“Mr Chaskalson advised that Mr Carrim is still in hospital. Chaskalson has been in communication with Carrim’s legal representatives and as things stand, Chaskalson wants to stand him down to the 29th of April this year,” Sello said.
Madlanga granted the postponement without opposition, confirming that Carrim’s testimony would resume later this month.
Earlier this year, Carrim sought to have his 9 and 10 March testimony, any subsequent appearance, and related papers heard in camera, citing alleged death threats against him.
However, the application was opposed by evidence leader Adila Hassim, who argued against excluding the public and the media. The bid was ultimately unsuccessful, with Madlanga ruling that Carrim had not made out a case for that relief, and refusing the application.
Carrim has told the commission that he invested R10 million in Medicare24 Tshwane District after being approached by tenderpreneur, attempted-murder accused, and alleged underworld figure, Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala in 2024 in relation to a SAPS medical services contract valued at about R360 million.
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Carrim has said he was “played” in a disputed business arrangement involving Matlala and businessman and ANC fixer, Brown Mogotsi. He told the commission that, before investing, he sought independent verification of the contract’s legitimacy from Mogotsi, whom he described as a friend.
Carrim’s testimony has also touched on his interactions with suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, although he told the commission that he had no direct relationship with the minister.