MADLANGA COMMISSION: SIU probe adds fresh scrutiny to ANC-linked businessman Carrim

The Special Investigating Unit’s probe into multimillion-rand North West transport contracts has put further scrutiny on ANC-linked businessman Suliman Carrim, whose business interests have already come under intense examination before the Madlanga Commission.

Suliman Carrim, a businessman with known ANC ties, will now face criminal charges after he repeatedly failed to appear before the Madlanga Commission.

On day 159 of hearings on 14 August 2026, the commission for the first time resolved to lay criminal charges against a witness.

Carrim has cited serious ill health for his failure to testify since March. The commission will now proceed with the evidence he has already given.

The scrutiny does not end there. A proclamation signed by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday, 11 September authorised a Special Investigating Unit (SIU) probe into multimillion-rand North West government tenders awarded to companies linked to Carrim.

At the centre is an R168-million contract awarded to a joint venture involving Carrim’s Transnat Coach Lines and Ziggy Investments. The SIU will investigate alleged improper conduct, financial irregularities, undue benefits and possible losses to the state, as well as the joint venture’s financial dealings with the late taxi boss Jotham “King Mswazi” Msibi.

The Madlanga Commission has heard that Msibi was allegedly linked to the Big Five cartel, was involved in the retrieval of stolen stock for tobacco company Carnilinx and a plot to procure spyware technology from a Czech company for use in Eswatini.

6 February 2026: Carrim first appeared before the Madlanga Commission. He was questioned about his business dealings and alleged links to figures under investigation.

9-10 March 2026: Carrim returned and began giving more substantive evidence. His testimony was then due to continue later in March.

April 2026: Carrim was reportedly hospitalised after suffering a suspected heart attack at a gym, shortly before he was due back before the commission. His testimony was postponed. He was admitted to Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg.

14 April 2026: The commission granted a postponement because of his medical condition. His evidence was subsequently scheduled for 29 April.

29 April 2026: His appearance did not proceed, with further concerns about his medical fitness. This contributed to the repeated postponements of his evidence.

1 June 2026: His testimony was postponed again, this time to 25 June, because of health concerns.

25 June 2026: Carrim again failed to appear, citing a sudden illness. This was described as the third postponement. The evidence leaders became increasingly concerned and asked that the commission consider prosecution if he continued failing to appear. His testimony was postponed to 15 July.