Madlanga Commission warns Carrim: Ignoring subpoena has consequences
The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has warned that North West businessman Suliman Carrim will face consequences if he fails to comply with a subpoena to testify on Friday.
This follows Carrim’s unsuccessful attempt to prevent the commission from calling him as a witness
Carrim faces allegations of receiving R2.5 million to assist alleged crime boss Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala in securing payments linked to a R360-million SAPS contract, which was later cancelled.
He had approached the High Court seeking a temporary order to prevent the commission from compelling his appearance, while challenging the decision to list him as an implicated person.
Carrim argued that the commission acted unfairly and did not adequately protect his rights.
The commission, chaired by retired Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, opposed the request, cautioning that allowing even a limited temporary reprieve could set a harmful precedent for this and future commissions of inquiry.
It stressed that requests for urgent court intervention in such matters are often misused.
The commission also noted that Carrim had known for months that he would be required to testify but delayed taking legal action until the last minute.
He was issued with a fresh subpoena on 23 January, directing him to appear on 6 February, but he only filed his urgent court application on 26 January.
The commission described this as an attempt to “compress timeframes,” despite being aware that hearings run until 16:00 each day.
High Court Judge Denise Fisher struck the matter from the roll and ordered Carrim to pay costs, meaning he is now legally required to appear before the commission on Friday.
Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels said Carrim is fully aware of the consequences of ignoring the subpoena.
“We welcome the ruling by the Gauteng South High Court in Johannesburg,” Michaels said.
" As per the regulations, per the commission’s act, it is an offence to avoid appearing when you have been subpoenaed, and everyone, including Mr Carrim, knows the consequences of that.
" He had approached the High Court, and his application on an urgent basis was dismissed with costs, and so we expect that he will appear tomorrow," said Michaels.
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