Madlanga rebukes ‘hat trick’ claim as Suliman Carrim says he could be third witness killed

Businessman Suliman Carrim at Madlanga Commission Of Inquiry at Brigitte Mabandla Judicial College in Pretoria on 6 February 2026. Picture: Gallo Images/Frennie Shivambu Businessman and ANC member Suliman Carrim faced sharp criticism after suggesting he could be the next witness to die at the Madlanga commission. Carrim is expected to answer to allegations that he attempted to influence Police Minister Senzo Mchunu in connection with a controversial R360 million South African Police Service (Saps) tender.

The Madlanga commission, which is investigating alleged criminality, political interference and corruption within South Africa’s justice system, resumed hearings on Friday at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College in Pretoria. Carrim’s testimony had previously beenpostponed last monthafter his legal team contended that they had not been given enough time to review and study the evidence he must respond to. The delay followed an unsuccessfulurgent court applicationby Carrim to block a subpoena compelling him to testify.

The Gauteng High Court in Johannesburgdismissedthe application on 5 February. The allegations before the commission relate to the awarding of aR360 million Saps contractto Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s company, Medicare24 Tshwane District, in June 2024. The contract was later cancelled in May 2025 due to irregularities.

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Witnesses have alleged that Carrim assisted Matlala, who is an attempted murder accused, when Saps failed to pay invoices submitted by his company. During Friday’s proceedings, Carrim’s lawyer Kameel Premhid asked the commission to allow his client to testify in camera.

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