The spotlight is tightening on ANC member and North West businessman Suleiman Carrim, as his legal team prepares to ask for a postponement of his testimony before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
Carrim was due to testify this week, but his lawyers say they have not had enough time to properly review the evidence he is expected to respond to. According to reports, the request for more time will be put before Commissioner Mbuyiseli Madlanga when hearings resume on Friday.
A failed court bid raises eyebrows
The postponement request comes just a day after Carrim’s attempt to block the commission from subpoenaing him fell flat in court. On Thursday, the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg dismissed his urgent application to stop the subpoena, dealing a blow to his legal strategy.
Madlanga, addressing the court, was blunt. He argued that Carrim had failed to prove urgency and had approached the court at the last minute, despite having been notified months ago that he would be required to appear.
The commission first issued notice to Carrim on 29 October 2025, giving him ample time ahead of his scheduled appearance. Madlanga told the court that rushing to court on less than a week’s notice amounted to an abuse of process, and he pushed for punitive costs against Carrim.
What the commission is investigating
The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa following explosive allegations by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. At the heart of the probe are claims of corruption, political interference and criminal conduct within the South African Police Service and the wider criminal justice system.
Among the most serious allegations are claims that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu currently on special leave interfered in policing operations by disbanding the political killings task team, allegedly to protect individuals linked to politically connected crime syndicates.
Public reaction and rising scrutiny
On social media, Carrim’s legal manoeuvres have drawn mixed reactions. Some users argue that the right to prepare a proper defence is fundamental, while others see the court challenge and postponement bid as delaying tactics in a commission meant to restore public trust in policing.
The commission has already delivered an interim report to President Ramaphosa in December, just three months after its first hearing in September. Phase two is now underway, with about a dozen witnesses expected to testify in the coming months.
Whether Carrim’s request for more time is granted now rests with Commissioner Madlanga and his decision is likely to be closely watched as the inquiry moves deeper into some of the most sensitive allegations facing South Africa’s criminal justice system.
