Madlanga Commission: Carrim Accused Of Hiding Additional R2.1m Payment
The Madlanga Commission has accused North West businessman Suleiman Carrim of failing to disclose more than R2 million in payments made to a company linked to alleged tender fraudster Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
Carrim testified before the commission on Monday, stating that he had loaned Matlala’s company, Medicare24, R10 million in June 2024 to help the business service a tender it had secured from the South African Police Service.
According to his testimony, the loan was paid through two of his companies, Ziggy and Tameez.
However, during proceedings on Tuesday, the commission’s evidence leaders revealed that an additional R2.1 million had also been transferred to Medicare24 through another company linked to Carrim, Tasmica Construction.
The payments were reportedly made between June and October 2024 in two separate transactions, raising concerns that the businessman had not fully disclosed all financial dealings related to the matter.
Carrim was accused of withholding information from the commission, but his legal representative, Rafik Bhana, rejected the allegation.
Bhana argued that the omission was not deliberate and that the transactions dated back several years, making it difficult to recall every financial detail during testimony.
He also pointed out that the company involved in the additional payments was not listed in Carrim’s subpoena notice, which outlined the matters he was required to address before the commission.
The commission has decided to delay questioning Carrim about the newly revealed transactions until he has had an opportunity to consult with his legal team.