ANC member Suliman Carrim rushed to hospital as Madlanga Commission testimony looms

Sudden hospital rush ahead of high-profile testimony

North West businessman and ANC member Suliman Carrim has reportedly been rushed to hospital in Johannesburg after suffering what is believed to be a heart attack while at a gym.

The incident is said to have happened on Monday morning, with early reports indicating that he was quickly transported for urgent medical attention. However, details about his condition have not yet been confirmed.

The timing has drawn attention, as Carrim was expected to return to the spotlight later this week to continue his testimony before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.

JUST IN:

Businessman Suliman Carrim has been rushed to hospital after suffering a suspected heart attack while at a gym in Johannesburg this morning.

His current condition has not yet been confirmed.

Carrim is expected to appear before the Madlanga Commission later this week,… pic.twitter.com/eLOdJEiNi0

Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) April 13, 2026

A critical witness in a high-stakes commission

Carrim has been one of the notable figures appearing before the Madlanga Commission, which is probing matters linked to state contracts and alleged misconduct involving high-profile individuals.

His testimony has already placed him at the centre of sensitive allegations, particularly involving businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and associate Brown Mogotsi.

Just months earlier, Carrim had applied to testify in camera, citing concerns over death threats. That request was dismissed, with the commission indicating that adequate protective measures could still be provided.

His appearance before the commission was expected to continue this week before his sudden medical emergency.

Allegations, investments and a disputed SAPS-linked contract

During his earlier testimony, Carrim described a business relationship tied to a R360 million South African Police Service (SAPS) contract for medical services.

He told the commission he had invested around R10 million into Medicare24 Tshwane District, a company linked to Matlala.

According to Carrim, Matlala approached him in mid-2024 seeking funding after reportedly facing cash flow challenges linked to the execution of the contract.

Carrim said he first met Matlala through shared industry circles in the private security sector, though he insisted there were no prior dealings before the business discussions began.

He later visited Matlala’s Pretoria premises, describing them as well-developed and convincing enough to support confidence in the venture.

Still, Carrim emphasised that he sought further verification before committing funds, and brought in Mogotsi whom he described as a personal acquaintance to confirm the legitimacy of the contract.

Security fears and courtroom tension

Carrim’s testimony has not been without tension. His earlier request to testify behind closed doors highlighted fears for his safety, with claims that he had received death threats.

However, the commission ruled against the in-camera application, stating that existing protections were sufficient to proceed in open proceedings.

Despite this, his evidence has continued to draw attention due to the financial figures involved and the individuals linked to the SAPS contract under scrutiny.

Uncertainty as proceedings approach

With Carrim now reportedly hospitalised, uncertainty surrounds whether he will be able to continue his testimony before the commission as planned.

For now, his condition remains unknown, and no official medical update has been released.

What is clear is that his appearance before the Madlanga Commission has already added another layer of complexity to an inquiry that continues to pull in politically connected figures, large-scale contracts, and serious allegations of misconduct.

As the investigation continues, attention now shifts from the commission hearing room to the hospital bed where one of its key witnesses is currently being treated.

{Source: The Citizen}

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