High Court Clears Madlanga Commission To Subpoena Suliman Carrim, Businessman Ordered To Testify

ANC-linked businessman Suliman Carrim will be required to appear before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry on Friday after the Johannesburg High Court struck his urgent application off the roll.

On Thursday, the court dismissed Carrim’s bid for an interim interdict with costs, removing the final legal obstacle to the enforcement of a subpoena compelling his testimony.

Carrim had turned to the courts in a last-minute attempt to block the commission from summoning him, arguing that the decision to categorise him as an “implicated person” was unlawful and should be reviewed and overturned.

Court Rejects Bid to Block Madlanga Commission Subpoena

In his court papers, Carrim maintained that he had been labelled an “implicated person” without being afforded the principle of natural justice.

He argued that the commission was required to first clarify the allegations against him and disclose the evidence it intended to rely on before compelling him to testify.

The Madlanga Commission, chaired by Mbuyiseli Madlanga, opposed the application, warning that granting the relief sought would frustrate its work and delay the fulfilment of its mandate.

The court agreed with the commission’s position, clearing the way for Carrim to be subpoenaed and questioned under oath.

Testimony Links Suliman Carrim to Police Procurement Allegations

Carrim’s legal challenge followed testimony that placed him at the centre of alleged influence-peddling and questionable financial dealings 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 secured a contract with the South African Police Service.

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Further questioning by the evidence leader revealed WhatsApp messages in which Carrim appeared to assist with invoices and payments while boasting of his access to then Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.

Additional evidence linked Carrim to more than R3 million in litigation funding that was allegedly channelled through the foundation of political fixer Brown Mogotsi.

Carrim Denies Wrongdoing as Legal Battle Continues

Mogotsi later exonerated Carrim, but was subsequently accused by the commission of lying under oath. Carrim has consistently denied any wrongdoing and continues to challenge the allegations through the courts.

He maintains that his constitutional rights are being infringed by a process he says has already portrayed him as guilty, despite his insistence on his innocence.

Carrim is now expected to honour the subpoena and testify before the Madlanga Commission on Friday.