North West businessman and former ANC regional treasurer Suliman Carrim, 49, was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport on the evening of Thursday, 15 October 2026, moments before boarding a flight to the United Arab Emirates.
The Commission's Recommendations Task Team (CRTT), working with the South African Police Service, detained him for allegedly failing to appear before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. He was expected to appear in the Pretoria Magistrates' Court on Friday, 16 October 2026.
Details of the arrest
Police confirmed the arrest of a 49-year-old man at the airport late on Thursday after he was flagged while attempting to leave the country. National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe stated that the suspect was taken into custody for failing to appear before the Madlanga Commission. Multiple media outlets, including eNCA, subsequently identified the man as Suliman Carrim.
Carrim was reportedly travelling with family members on a UAE-bound flight. Police noted that he held a return ticket and was scheduled to return to South Africa on 28 October. At the time of the official statements, authorities indicated there was no confirmed evidence that he was attempting to flee the country.
Background with the Madlanga Commission
Carrim testified before the commission in March 2026. His evidence included details of business dealings with controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, notably an alleged loan of approximately R10 million. Matlala's company, Medicare24, had been awarded a disputed R360-million South African Police Service healthcare services tender.
After his initial appearance, Carrim was required to return and provide further documentation. He repeatedly failed to do so, citing medical reasons. His legal representatives maintained that the health concerns were genuine, yet he did not undergo the independent medical assessment requested by the commission. In August 2026, commission chairperson retired Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga authorised the laying of criminal charges against him under the Commissions Act – the first time the inquiry had taken such a step against a witness.
Additional investigations
Beyond the commission matter, Carrim remains under scrutiny on other fronts. Police indicated he had been flagged by the cold case unit in connection with alleged fraud and corruption linked to the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality in North West. He is aso the subject of a Special Investigating Unit probe into multimillion-rand North West government transport tenders involving companies linked to him.
The arrest highlights the Madlanga Commission's determination to enforce compliance with its processes. He was appeared before the Pretoria Magistrates' Court on Friday,16 October 2026.