Former ANC North West treasurer and businessman Suliman Carrim has been arrested at OR Tambo International Airport.
Carrim, 49, was apprehended on Thursday evening, 15 October 2026, shortly before he was due to board an international flight. The arrest was carried out by the South African Police Service’s Commissions Recommendations Task Team (CRTT), according to police.
He is expected to appear before the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 16 October.
Arrest linked to commission proceedings
The arrest comes as the Madlanga Commission continues to investigate allegations concerning corruption, criminal networks and possible interference in the criminal justice system.
Police did not reveal the name of the man arrested, however shared a statement.
“The Commissions Recommendations Task Team (CRTT) has arrested a 49-year-old man at OR Tambo International Airport on Thursday evening, 15 October 2026, moments before he was due to board an international flight. The suspect was arrested for failing to appear before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. He is expected to appear before the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court this morning, Friday, 16 October 2026.
Previous appearances before the Madlanga Commission
Carrim has been a prominent figure in the commission’s examination of alleged corruption and questionable business dealings involving police contracts.
During his testimony in March, Carrim discussed lending money to Medicare24, a company linked to businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, whose business interests have come under scrutiny over a controversial South African Police Service health services tender.
Evidence leaders questioned Carrim about additional payments made to Medicare24 that they said had not been fully disclosed during his testimony. Carrim maintained that the transactions were legitimate business dealings and said he had been deceived by Matlala and businessman Brown Mogotsi. The allegations remain subject to the commission’s findings.
The commission subsequently moved to lay criminal charges against Carrim after repeated postponements of his appearance. His legal team had cited medical reasons for his absence, while the commission sought an independent medical assessment.
In August, the commission confirmed that charges had been laid following instructions from its chairperson, Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga. The matter was referred to the task team for further action.
What happens next?
Carrim’s expected court appearance on Friday follows the airport arrest and the commission’s efforts to address his failure to attend proceedings.
The precise charges he will face in court and the outcome of the proceedings remain to be established. His arrest does not amount to a finding of guilt, and any allegations against him must be tested through the legal process.
