The Madlanga Commission has heard that North West businessman Suliman Carrim was allegedly spotted at a Woolworths in the Western Cape, despite being unavailable to testify on medical grounds.
Carrim was due to testify before the commission on Wednesday.
Evidence leader Advocate Matthew Chaskalson told the commission that information had been received from whistleblowers about Carrim allegedly being seen at a shopping centre.
SABC News reported that Chaskalson said two independent whistleblower reports, supported by eyewitnesses, placed someone who appeared to be Carrim at the centre on Tuesday.
Alleged Woolies sighting
According to reports, the person believed to be Carrim allegedly arrived at the shopping centre with an entourage.
Chaskalson told the commission that the person went into Woolworths before allegedly going for a late lunch at a restaurant in the centre.
EWN reported that Carrim’s lawyers had indicated he was too sick to appear before the commission.
The commission has now been asked to take steps to verify the medical reasons given for his absence.
Cape Times reported that Chaskalson requested that the inquiry subpoena Carrim’s doctors and obtain his medical records.
Testimony delayed again
Carrim’s testimony has been postponed several times.
EWN reported that the delays followed his admission to hospital in April for a suspected heart attack.
He was expected back before the commission this week, but submitted another sick note.
The latest development raised fresh questions about whether Carrim’s continued absence is justified.
The commission is probing serious claims linked to criminal infiltration, political interference and corruption in the criminal justice system.
Commission wants clarity
Carrim is regarded as an important witness before the inquiry.
The Witness reported that he is linked to evidence around the controversial R360 million SAPS healthcare tender awarded to Medicare24, a company connected to Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
The allegations before the commission remain contested.
No finding of wrongdoing has been made against Carrim.
The commission is now expected to examine the medical information behind his latest non-appearance.
For now, the alleged Woolies sighting has added another dramatic turn to proceedings that were already under intense public scrutiny.