PRETORIA – North West businessman and ANC regional treasurer Suliman Carrim (49) appeared in the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on Friday after police arrested him at OR Tambo International Airport while he prepared to board an international flight.

Carrim faces a charge of contravening section 6(1) of the Commissions Act 8 of 1947 for allegedly failing to appear before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System.

The arrest unfolded on Thursday night when officers from the Commission’s Recommendations Task Team detained Carrim shortly before his scheduled departure to Dubai. The state alleges he failed to appear before the commission on 14 August 2026 despite being warned to do so.

The magistrate postponed the bail application to Sunday to allow verification of documents submitted by the defence. Carrim remained in custody after the state opposed his release, arguing he posed a flight risk and that his addresses had not been verified.

Airport arrest sparks court battle

State prosecutor Lumka Mahanjana told the court that Carrim was arrested at about 20:30 on Thursday. Carrim’s legal team argued their client was travelling to Saudi Arabia for a pilgrimage via Dubai, and then to Pakistan for humanitarian work. His lawyer said Carrim had undertaken similar trips for about 16 years and had booked a return flight to Johannesburg for 27 October.

The defence also raised concerns about Carrim’s health, stating he suffers from a heart condition and had not taken his medication on Friday morning. His lawyer said the stress from the proceedings was affecting his health and could trigger a panic attack.

Police dismissed speculation that Carrim was fleeing the country, noting he had a return ticket. However, prosecutors maintained that without verified addresses, the state would not know where to locate him if he failed to attend trial.

Background to the commission investigation

The Madlanga Commission, chaired by Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa in July 2025 following explosive allegations by KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi about criminal infiltration of law enforcement.

Carrim became a witness after evidence before the commission linked him to businessman Cat Matlala, whose company Medicare24 held a R360 million police health services contract. KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Mkhwanazi alleged that Carrim communicated with Matlala and undertook to help him engage then Police Minister Senzo Mchunu to prevent cancellation of the contract.

The commission’s evidence leaders described Carrim and businessman Hangwani Maumela as apparent funders of Matlala, and examined an alleged payment of about R1,5 million from Matlala to Carrim after police money had been received. Carrim has maintained the money represented repayment of a personal investment, not an improper payment.

Repeated postponements and medical disputes

Carrim first appeared before the commission on in February and gave evidence in March. He was expected to return for further questioning but repeatedly sought postponements, citing ill health including a reported heart episode.

In July, the commission ordered him either to appear in person or submit to an independent medical examination. However, evidence was presented that while claiming to be too ill to testify, he had been seen on outings including visits to Woolworths and Kauai.

Carrim did not attend on 14 August as directed and did not submit to the independent examination. Justice Madlanga instructed that criminal charges be laid against Carrim for failure to comply with the summons.

Who is Suliman Carrim?

Carrim is a businessman based in Mahikeng with interests in private security, transport and government procurement. Companies linked to him include Fusion Tactical.

He was elected unopposed in 2022 as ANC treasurer for the Ngaka Modiri Molema region, which includes Mahikeng. The ANC has described him as a member in good standing and a long-standing activist.

The law and potential penalties

Section 6(1) of the Commissions Act 8 of 1947 makes it an offence for a person summoned to attend and give evidence to fail, without sufficient cause, to attend at the time and place specified in the summons. The person bears the burden of proving sufficient cause.

On conviction, the offence carries a fine, imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months, or both.

The commission has made it clear that it is not a criminal court and does not prosecute people. Its role is to establish facts and make findings and recommendations that can support prosecutions, disciplinary proceedings or institutional corrective action.

The matter returns to court on Monday.

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