A tense moment at the commission as Chair Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga pushes back against Rafik Bhana, lawyer for Suliman Carrim, after Bhana suggested the commission may have already prejudged Carrim’s postponement bid. Fresh revelations that millions of Rand in additional payments from Tasmica Construction flowed into the Medicare24 account without being disclosed by Suliman Carrim sparked a tense confrontation at theMadlanga Commissionon Tuesday. The disclosure promptedCarrim’slegal team to seek time to assess the new evidence, triggering a heated exchange between commission chair Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga and Carrim’s lawyer Rafik Bhana SC over a possible postponement application.
Proceedings at the Madlanga Commission were briefly halted after new financial records emerged showing over R2 million in previously undisclosed payments linked to Tasmica Construction. The payments, which were allegedly deposited into the Medicare24 account, were not initially disclosed by Carrim, raising fresh questions during the inquiry. Carrim’s legal team requested time to consult with their client and consider the implications of the new evidence, indicating they might bring a formal postponement application.
During discussions about how long Carrim’s lawyers would need, evidence leader Matthew Chaskalson SC, suggested a short break of between 45 minutes and an hour. However, Carrim’s lead counsel Rafik Bhana SC said the legal team would require at least two hours, adding that they might need more time depending on the consultation. The discussion escalated when Bhana suggested that Madlanga appeared to have already formed a view on a possible postponement application.
[paywall]
“Chair, I think at least two hours… but it seems then that you’ve prejudged an application,” Bhana said. Madlanga immediately rejected the suggestion and expressed strong objection to the remark.“Mr Bhana, I take strong exception to that,” Madlanga responded.
[/paywall]
All Zim News – Bringing you the latest news and updates.
