North West businessman and former ANC regional treasurer Suliman Carrim was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport on the evening of 15 October 2026, moments before he was due to board an international flight.
The Madlanga Commission’s Recommendations Task Team took him into custody. He appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Friday on a charge of failing to appear before the commission after having been subpoenaed. Bail proceedings were postponed; he remained in custody over the weekend.
Carrim gave evidence in March 2026 but did not return on later dates in April, June and July, citing medical reasons. He refused an independent medical examination ordered by the commission. Chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga announced in August that criminal charges would be laid under the Commissions Act. The commission formally opened the case on 19 August.
Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels said the arrest was welcome and expressed the hope that it “will send a strong message to any witness who does not take the Commission seriously.”
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed the arrest was linked to the commission matter. She added that Carrim had also been flagged by the cold-case unit in connection with separate fraud and corruption investigations relating to the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality in the North West.
Prosecutors told the court Carrim was travelling with substantial luggage and, according to the State, held a one-way ticket. His defence indicated the trip was for spiritual purposes and that he intended to return.
Carrim is held at the same facility as other high-profile accused linked to the commission’s work, including Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and former deputy national commissioner Shadrack Sibiya.
