The Madlanga Commission will lay a criminal charge against businessman and ANC member Suliman Carrim after he again failed to appear before the inquiry on Friday, 14 August 2026.
Commission chair Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga directed the commission secretary to begin the criminal process following months of disputes over Carrim’s non-appearances.
Madlanga said continued failures by witnesses to appear could undermine the commission’s authority.
The decision to lay a charge does not mean Carrim has been convicted of an offence. SAPS will determine whether to investigate further.
Independent medical assessment refused
Carrim has relied on medical reasons for missing commission proceedings.
In July, the commission decided that an independent medical assessment was needed to establish whether he was medically unable to testify.
Evidence leader Adila Hassim said an independent specialist was identified, but Carrim did not consent to the assessment.
The commission requested a response by 10 August but received none. Instead, another report from Carrim’s treating doctor arrived on 12 August.
Woolworths visits questioned
Questions about Carrim’s condition intensified after evidence emerged that he had visited Woolworths and Kauai while receiving treatment.
Daily Maverick reported that Carrim’s doctor had initially indicated patients could leave the treatment facility with his permission, but later said nurses could also authorise departures.
Madlanga said the changing explanations strengthened the need for an independent medical opinion.
Carrim’s advocate, Kameel Premhid, challenged whether the commission had the legal power to require an independent examination and argued that a criminal referral was unnecessarily punitive.
Possible breach of Commissions Act
Hassim told the inquiry that Carrim’s conduct should be considered in the context of a possible breach of the Commissions Act.
Madlanga stressed that laying a charge was not the same as recommending prosecution and said Carrim remained free to challenge the commission’s decision through a review.
The commission was established to investigate allegations of criminality, political interference and corruption within South Africa’s criminal justice system.
Carrim previously testified before the inquiry in March. The commission has also been examining allegations surrounding his business dealings and links to transactions involving controversial police tenders.