Ramaphosa orders SIU probe into R168m North West tender linked to Suliman Carrim

President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered a Special Investigating Unit (SIU) probe into multimillion-rand North West government tenders linked to businessman Suliman Carrim, according to IOL.

What is under investigation

According to IOL, the focus of the probe is an R168 million contract awarded by the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management to a joint venture between Carrim’s Transnat Coach Lines and Ziggy Investments.

According to IOL, investigators will also scrutinise the financial dealings between that joint venture and the late taxi boss Jotham “King Mswazi” Msibi, who died in January 2024.

According to IOL, the affairs of North West Transport Investment (NTI) the entity involved in awarding the tenders and now under business rescue will also be examined.

Scope and possible outcomes

According to IOL, the SIU has been authorised to investigate allegations of improper conduct and undue benefits involving Carrim or other parties. Depending on the probe’s findings, it could lead to attempts to recover or forfeit assets to the state, according to IOL.

Related scrutiny

The development adds to scrutiny around Suliman Carrim. The source reports he is facing criminal charges after repeatedly failing to appear before the Madlanga Commission, which is examining alleged corruption in South Africa’s criminal justice system.

The Madlanga Commission has questioned Carrim about alleged links to Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala and about reportedly undisclosed payments to a company connected to Matlala, according to the source. The commission has said whistleblower information and CCTV footage appeared to show Carrim shopping and dining in Cape Town despite his claims of serious illness.

Next steps

The SIU probe, now authorised by the president, will examine the flagged contracts and financial flows. The investigation’s findings will determine whether further action to recover state assets or pursue forfeiture will follow.