The Madlanga Commission has heard allegations that controversial North West businessman Suliman Carrim was seen dining at a Cape Town restaurant despite informing the inquiry that he was too ill to testify.
The claims emerged after Carrim submitted another medical certificate, resulting in yet another postponement of his long-awaited appearance before the commission.
Suliman Carrim’s Illness Questioned At Madlanga Commission
Carrim was expected to testify before the commission on Wednesday but did not appear after his legal team submitted a further sick note.
His testimony has been postponed several times since he was admitted to hospital in April following a suspected heart attack.
According to Chief Evidence Leader Matthew Chaskalson, Carrim was last admitted to hospital on 17 June, although the commission has not been informed of the date on which he was discharged.
Madlanga Commission Receives Whistleblower Reports About Suliman Carrim
Addressing the commission, Chaskalson said evidence leaders had received two independent whistleblower reports alleging that Carrim had been seen at a shopping centre in the Western Cape.
“Late in the afternoon yesterday, we received two whistleblower reports, both confirming Mr Carrim and an entourage had been seen yesterday going out for lunch at a shopping centre in the Western Cape,” Chaskalson said.
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“The two reports corroborate the same details, they seem to be independent of one another and they have now been confirmed by eyewitnesses at that shopping centre.”
The commission heard that the allegations raised questions about Carrim’s claimed inability to attend proceedings.
Despite being too sick to appear before the Madlanga Commission, controversial ANC-linked North West businessman, Suliman Carrim, was reportedly seen having lunch at a restaurant in the Western Cape.
Matthew Chaskalson, evidence leader, explained how the info came about. TCG pic.twitter.com/lr9LqfOK4y
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) July 15, 2026
Suliman Carrim’s Lawyer Responds To Restaurant Allegations
Carrim’s legal representative, Kameel Premhid, told the commission he had only been informed about the whistleblower reports on Wednesday morning and was still seeking further details.
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“It’s unfortunate we have learnt about it this way but my learned friend (Chaskalson) and I, throughout the morning, have been talking intensely about what he can give me and can’t give and whether he can give me the CCTV footage (of the shopping centre) he has already got in his possession or he doesn’t,” Premhid said.
The Madlanga Commission is expected to consider the new information as it determines the next steps regarding Carrim’s postponed testimony.
