Suleiman Carrim Seeks In-Camera Testimony After Receiving Alleged Death Threats Ahead Of Madlanga Commission

Controversial North West businessman and ANC supporter Suleiman Carrim has applied for permission to give evidence behind closed doors at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry after allegedly receiving threatening messages.

Carrim is scheduled to appear before the commission next week on Monday and Tuesday. However, his legal team says anonymous messages have warned him not to testify.

The request to hold the proceedings in-camera was submitted after Carrim claimed the threats were directed not only at him, but also at his family and business operations.

Suleiman Carrim Requests Closed-Door Testimony At Madlanga Commission

Carrim’s lawyer, Kameel Prehmid, told the commission that his client had received a series of threatening messages ahead of his scheduled appearance.

According to Prehmid, the messages warned Carrim of consequences if he proceeded with his testimony.

“The last message reads, and I quote: before you appear at the commission, which is this commission, we are going to show you and your iceboy. So they are saying, we are not going to wait for you to donner and skit after you go to Madlanga, we are going to do it beforehand.

“In the next message, it says; go to Madlanga, we are going to Madlanga, we will stay behind and take care of your staff. So we are threatening you before you go there, and when you go there, we are going to do more to you.”

Prehmid said the threats had raised serious concerns about Carrim’s safety, prompting the application for the testimony to take place privately.

Allegations Linking Carrim To R360 Million SAPS Tender

Carrim’s expected appearance follows allegations made by previous witnesses at the inquiry.

They claim he used his political connections to help suspected crime figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala secure a R360-million South African Police Service tender.

Witnesses have also alleged that Carrim benefited financially from the deal through kickbacks from Matlala.

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Carrim has denied wrongdoing and is expected to address the allegations when he appears before the commission.

The Madlanga Commission continues to investigate claims related to the controversial tender and the circumstances surrounding its awarding.