Web of millions linking Carrim, ‘Cat’ Matlala and Maumela exposed at inquiry

A complex web of financial dealings between North West businessman and ANC treasurer Suleiman Carrim, controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and businessman Hangwani Maumela has come under intense scrutiny at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, where investigators are probing allegations of corruption and capture within parts of the criminal justice system. During two days of testimony this week, Carrim faced detailed questioning as evidence leaders analysed banking records and company transactions involving businesses linked to the three men. The companies emerging from the commission’s examination include Medicare24, associated with Matlala; Tasmika Construction, owned by Carrim; and Luthaga Trading Enterprise, linked to Maumela.

Previously undisclosed transfers of about R2,1 million, along with transactions amounting to roughly R42 million, came under the spotlight has Carrim battled to explain not having revealed the millions flowing through his bank accounts. Carrim told the commission he had made a R10 million investment in Matlala’s company, Medicare24, saying the funds were intended to help the company service a South African Police Service (SAPS) contract. However, during an analysis of bank statements, the commission’s evidence leaders identified additional transfers totalling about R2,1 million from Tasmika Construction to Medicare24.

These payments had not been disclosed in Carrim’s written statement to the commission. The commission also heard about financial flows amounting to about R42 million involving Luthaga Trading Enterprise, which investigators are now examining as part of their inquiry into the movement of funds between the companies connected to the businessmen. Evidence leaders told the commission they are analysing how the money moved between companies linked to Carrim, Matlala and Maumela, including whether the transactions may have been structured to bypass a South African Revenue Service (SARS) preservation order. Chief evidence leader advocate Matthew Chaskalson SC said the financial records being analysed could potentially give rise to money laundering charges, depending on the outcome of the commission’s investigation.