ANC businessman Suliman Carrim fights back against Madlanga Commission subpoena
Suliman Carrim seeks to halt the Madlanga Commission's subpoena, claiming his rights are being violated amidst serious allegations of influence-peddling.
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ANC businessman Suliman Carrim has turned to the Gauteng High Court in a last-ditch effort to prevent the Madlanga Commission from issuing a subpoena that would compel him to testify.
Carrim is seeking an urgent interim interdict order to bar the commission from enforcing his appearance until part B of his application is heard. According to court documents, he argues that the decision to classify him as a witness should be reviewed and set aside.
He contends that he has been labelled an “implicated person” without being afforded what he describes as the “principle of natural justice.”
Scheduled to give evidence on February 6, Carrim insists that the commission must first clarify the allegations against him and the evidence it intends to rely upon before he can be lawfully compelled to testify.
The commission, chaired by Justice Mandisa Madlanga, is opposing Carrim's application and has filed answering papers ahead of the proceedings on Tuesday. They argue that Carrim’s request would undermine the commission's work and delay its mandate.
Carrim's legal move follows damaging testimony that places him at the centre of alleged influence-peddling and questionable financial transactions linked to police procurement.
Witness X testified that Carrim received R1.5 million from alleged underworld figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala shortly after Matlala’s company was awarded a contract by the South African Police Service.
Further questioning led by the evidence leader revealed WhatsApp messages in which Carrim appeared to assist with invoices and payments, boasting of his access to the then-Police Minister Senzo Mchunu. Additional testimony connected Carrim to over R3 million in litigation funding that was channelled through the foundation of political fixer Brown Mogotsi.
Mogotsi later exonerated Carrim but was subsequently accused by the commission of lying under oath. Carrim has denied any wrongdoing and is challenging the allegations in court, asserting that his constitutional rights are being violated by a process that has already painted him as guilty.