North West businessman Suliman Carrim, whose April 29 testimony before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry was postponed due to ill health, will apply for another postponement.
Image: Oupa Moakoena/Independent Newspapers
The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry is set to resume its proceedings on Monday at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College in Pretoria following a two-week break to compile its second interim report, which was submitted to the Presidency on Friday.
The commission is expected to hear a postponement application from North West businessman Suliman Carrim, whose testimony scheduled for April 29 was postponed after he allegedly suffered a heart attack while at a gym and was rushed to Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg, where he received treatment.
Two weeks ago his lawyer Kameel Premhid was not in position to give an update on whether Carrim's health had improved enough for him to testify.
"I cannot talk to the media about the matter as that would breach our ethical rules. You may contact the attorney for such information as they can talk to you," Premhid said.
North West businessman and alleged political fixer Brown Mogotsi told the commission during his recent appearance that Chief Evidence Leader Advocate Matthew Chaskalson SC tried to coerce him into implicating Carrim.
Mogotsi’s bid to have Chaskalson recuse himself was unsuccessful.
In March, Carrim testified on allegations linking him to an irregular tender awarded to alleged crime mastermind Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s company, Medicare24 Tshwane District.
He is accused of using ANC connections to help Matlala secure it. Carrim denied influencing suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, saying he has no connection to him.
Carrim said he loaned Matlala R10 million after Matlala claimed he had won a SAPS medical services contract but lacked cash flow. Matlala allegedly agreed to repay R20 million over three years.
Carrim testified he asked Mogotsi to verify the tender, and Mogotsi reportedly confirmed it was legitimate.
The commission also heard evidence of alleged money laundering involving Matlala, tender tycoon Hangwani Maumela, and Carrim, and scrutinised the movement of alleged proceeds of crime between them.
rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za