Suliman Carrim Allegedly Seen at Cape Town Malls While Too Ill to Testify Before Madlanga Commission
The Madlanga Commission has been confronted with explosive allegations that controversial North West businessman Suliman Carrim was seen visiting shopping centres and attending social venues in Cape Town while claiming he was too ill to appear before the commission.
The claims have raised fresh questions about Carrim’s repeated absence from proceedings, with commissioners now moving to verify both his medical condition and his reported activities.
Carrim was once again declared medically unfit to testify, prompting his legal team to prepare another medical report requesting that his scheduled appearance on Wednesday be postponed.
However, proceedings took an unexpected turn when the commission was informed that Carrim had allegedly been seen in public at several locations, including Woolworths stores, entertainment venues and other social settings in Cape Town during the same period he was said to be too ill to testify.
According to information presented before the commission, investigators have instructed the businesses and venues Carrim is alleged to have visited to provide any relevant information that could assist with the inquiry.
MDN News understands that Carrim is reportedly receiving medical treatment at a healthcare facility outside Gauteng. Despite this, the latest allegations have intensified scrutiny over the legitimacy of his continued absence from the commission.
Carrim has already missed multiple appearances on medical grounds. The commission has previously warned that he could face prosecution under the Commissions Act if he refuses to comply with an independent medical examination ordered by the inquiry.
The commission has also indicated that it intends to summon Carrim’s treating doctor and obtain information directly from the hospital where he is reportedly receiving treatment. The move is aimed at independently verifying the severity of his condition before deciding on any further postponements.
Carrim’s absence comes only days after Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) head Andrea Johnson also failed to appear before the commission because of health concerns. Johnson became the ninth witness this year whose testimony has been delayed on medical grounds, adding to growing frustration over repeated interruptions to the inquiry.
Commission chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga has ruled that Carrim’s latest postponement application will be heard on Friday.
The decision followed a request by Carrim’s legal representatives to delay the matter until next week. They told the commission they had been unable to obtain direct instructions from their client and had instead relied on updates provided by his doctors and family members.
Friday’s hearing is expected to determine whether Carrim’s medical evidence is sufficient to justify another postponement or whether the commission will pursue further legal steps, including an independent medical assessment, as it seeks to move its investigation forward.
