Madlanga Commission Offers Protection To Suliman Carrim Ahead Of Testimony On SAPS Tender Allegations

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has offered protection to controversial businessman Suliman Carrim after he told the inquiry he fears for his life.

On Friday, the commission heard Carrim’s application to give evidence behind closed doors, citing threats he says he has received in the lead-up to his testimony.

Carrim told the inquiry that unknown individuals have sent him death threats from unidentified numbers, warning him not to appear before the commission.

Suliman Carrim Seeks Closed-Door Testimony Over Alleged Death Threats

Carrim is expected to testify before the commission on Monday and Tuesday regarding allegations that he interfered in police work and benefited from kickbacks linked to an irregular South African Police Service (SAPS) tender.

The tender in question was awarded to suspected crime boss Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

However, evidence leader Adila Hassim is opposing Carrim’s application to testify in private.

Commission Says Protection Services Available For Witness

Hassim argued that Carrim’s upcoming testimony has been publicly known for some time and that his written statement does not contain information that would place him in danger.

“I have been advised by the commission’s head of security that the commission has previously offered the witness protection services. I understand he declined the offer, as they already had arrangements in place.

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“The offer, however, remains and I would go far to suggest, in light of the threats received, the commission can protect the witness in other ways, not through an in-camera application.”

The commission is expected to rule on Carrim’s application when proceedings resume on Monday morning.