Businessman Suliman Carrim denies knowledge of Maumela's SARS preservation order

The Madlanga Commission is probing whether controversial businessman Suliman Carrim may have assisted alleged tender fraudster Hangwani Maumela in laundering money.

Carrim has been testifying regarding his relationship with Maumela and the payments exchanged between their companies.

He stated that in 2023, he entered into a business arrangement with Maumela in chrome mining.

Carrim noted that they agreed to each invest R55 million into a joint account.

However, he said Maumela later requested his share of the money back, citing financial difficulties.

Carrim claims he paid Maumela R42 million through Luthaga Trading Enterprise, a company registered in his sister's name.

Evidence leader Matthew Chaskalson stated that at the time, Maumela was subject to a preservation order issued by SARS.

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Chaskalson asked: “Do you accept that the payments made by Tameez (Carrim’s company) to Luthaga were payments made to circumvent a SARS preservation order operating against Maumela?”

Carrim responded: “I didn’t know what was preserved by SARS. I had no idea. Whether the sale (Carrim testified Maumela told him he would be selling an asset to resolve his financial issues) was before or after, I was not aware. When he asked me, I did it; I paid him his money.”

Carrim’s lawyers have objected to this line of questioning, stating it is outside the scope of the commission’s terms of reference. However, Chairperson Mbuyiseli Madlanga has allowed it to continue.