Carrim hospitalised before Madlanga Commission testimony

The family of North West businessman and ANC-affiliate Suliman Carrim has confirmed he has been admitted to a Johannesburg hospital.

The circumstances of his hospitalisation remain unclear, following earlier reports that he suffered a suspected heart attack at the gym on Monday morning.

Carrim was due to return to the Madlanga Commission to continue his testimony this week, after a previous appearance last month.

Carrim was compelled to testify publicly before the Madlanga Commission in March after a failed court bid to give evidence in private.

He argued that threats to his life and family justified closed proceedings, but the commission ruled that transparency must prevail.

Carrim’s testimony is central to the commission’s investigation into alleged corruption and tender manipulation.

He is accused of trying to influence police minister on special leave Senzo Mchunu to revive a scrapped 360-million-rand saps tender linked to Medicare24, owned by alleged cartel member Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

The inquiry is also probing claims that Carrim channelled payments through a company registered in the name of alleged tender fraudster Hangwani Maumela sister to help Maumelle evade a Sars preservation order, raising possible money laundering concerns.

Meanwhile, Carrim is understood to be receiving treatment at Netcare Milpark hospital with his family requesting privacy during this time.