Former ANC North West treasurer Suliman Carrim was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport on Thursday night. Image credit X
Former ANC North West treasurer and businessman Suliman Carrim has been arrested at OR Tambo International Airport, moments before he was due to board an international flight. With Suliman Carrim arrested on Thursday night, attention has turned back to his dealings with the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
According to eNCA, the Commission’s Recommendations Task Team arrested the 49 year old shortly before he boarded a flight to the United Arab Emirates. National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed the arrest, although she did not name him. She said police arrested the suspect for failing to appear before the Madlanga Commission.
Carrim is expected to appear in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
Why Suliman Carrim arrested news matters
Carrim has been at the centre of the commission’s work for months. He previously testified about his business dealings with Vusimuzi Cat Matlala. Matlala’s company, Medicare24, won a disputed R360 million healthcare tender from SAPS. According to crime activist Yusuf Abramjee, Carrim told the commission about a loan of about R10 million that he gave to Matlala.
However, Carrim later failed to return for further questioning. He reportedly cited ill health. As a result, the commission opened a criminal case against him. His lawyer has previously argued that the allegations against Carrim fall outside the commission’s mandate.
Carrim also faces scrutiny on another front. President Cyril Ramaphosa has authorised the Special Investigating Unit to probe multimillion rand transport tenders that the North West government awarded to companies linked to Carrim. According to Daily Maverick, the probe includes a R168 million contract involving Transnat Coach Lines and Ziggy Investments. Evidence before the commission reportedly linked that joint venture to the late taxi boss Jotham King Mswazi Msibi.
Importantly, these remain allegations under investigation. No court has found Carrim guilty of any wrongdoing. Neither Carrim nor his lawyers have commented publicly on the arrest.
The Madlanga Commission is investigating alleged criminal networks inside law enforcement and possible interference in the criminal justice system. Several witnesses have failed to appear before it in recent months.
Meanwhile, commentary across social media platforms has welcomed the arrest. Many users praised the task team for stopping Carrim before he could leave the country. Others say the arrest sends a strong message to anyone who tries to avoid the commission.
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