ANC Tycoon Suliman Carrim Rushes To Court To Block Madlanga Commission Subpoena

ANC-linked businessman Suliman Carrim has approached the Gauteng High Court in a last-minute legal attempt to prevent the Madlanga Commission from compelling him to testify.

Carrim has applied for an urgent interim interdict to stop the commission from issuing a subpoena until part B of his application is fully heard.

Dispute Over Witness Classification and Fair Process

In his court papers, Carrim challenges the decision to categorise him as a witness, asking the court to review and overturn that ruling. He argues that he has effectively been treated as an “implicated person” without being granted what he describes as the “principle of natural justice”.

Carrim has been summoned to appear before the commission on 6 February. However, he maintains that the commission must first clearly outline the allegations against him, as well as the evidence it intends to rely on, before he can be lawfully compelled to testify.

Suliman Carrim’s Court Action as Damaging Claims Surface

The commission, chaired by Justice Mandisa Madlanga, is opposing the application and has already filed answering papers ahead of Tuesday’s hearing. It argues that Carrim’s legal challenge threatens to derail its work and delay the fulfilment of its mandate.

Carrim’s court action follows explosive testimony placing him at the centre of alleged influence-peddling and suspicious financial transactions linked to police procurement.

Witness X told the commission that Carrim received R1.5 million from alleged underworld figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala shortly after Matlala’s company was paid on a South African Police Service contract.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Malema: “White South Africans Should Celebrate EFF’s Existence”

Evidence leader-led questioning also revealed WhatsApp messages in which Carrim appeared to assist with invoices and payments, while allegedly boasting of access to then-Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.

Further testimony connected Carrim to more than R3 million in litigation funding allegedly channelled through the foundation of political fixer Brown Mogotsi. Mogotsi later cleared Carrim of wrongdoing before being accused by the commission of lying under oath.

Carrim has denied all allegations and is contesting the matter in court, arguing that the process has infringed on his constitutional rights and unfairly portrayed him as guilty.