The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has opened a criminal case against businessman Suliman Carrim after he repeatedly failed to appear before the commission despite being summoned to give evidence.
Commission chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga ordered the commission secretary to lay a criminal charge against Carrim following his failure to appear on 14 August 2026.
Carrim had cited ill health as the reason for his absence. However, the commission had previously directed him to undergo an independent medical assessment if he wanted to be excused from appearing.
The commission found that Carrim had not complied with the directive and resolved to take further action.
Evidence leader Advocate Adila Hassim argued that the commission needed to enforce its summonses to protect the integrity and authority of its proceedings.
Justice Madlanga agreed, saying witnesses could not be allowed to determine when they would appear before the inquiry.
The commission said this was the first time since its establishment that it had resolved to lay criminal charges against a person summoned to give evidence.
Carrim had previously appeared before the commission in March, where he was questioned about his business dealings with Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and Medicare24.
He told the inquiry that he had loaned about R10 million to Matlala’s company, which was linked to a lucrative SAPS health-services contract.
Carrim denied any wrongdoing and maintained that the transactions were legitimate business dealings.
The latest criminal case relates specifically to Carrim’s alleged failure to comply with the commission’s summons to appear and does not amount to a finding that he committed corruption or any other offence.
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