Retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga is expected to rule on whether North West businessman and ANC member Suliman Carrim will give his testimony in-camera due to death threats he has received. The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry will deliver its decision on Monday, following a day of arguments between Carrim’s advocate Kameel Premhid and evidence leader Adila Cassim SC.
Carrim’s advocate faced a tough time justifying the reasons for his client’s request to testify in-camera due to safety concerns. The commission believes Carrim is a public figure, having appeared on television and in print news reports. Premhid argued that unknown individuals were threatening Carrim, his family, employees, and business interests, and that the matter had been reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Testimony and Safety Concerns
Premhid listed staff members, including the commission’s head of security and investigators, whom he wanted to be excluded from accessing his client’s statement. He also requested a confidentiality regime, similar to the one used in court proceedings, where only participating parties have access to certain parts of the record.
Carrim’s evidence is set to be heard on Monday and Tuesday. Earlier in the day, Premhid argued that his client did not want the statement made public, citing threats to his right to life, security, integrity, family, and commercial interests.
Relationships and Allegations
Suspended SAPS national organised crime head Major-General Robert Shibiri also testified before the commission, discussing his relationship with controversial attempted murder accused businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. Shibiri received a personal loan from Matlala but maintained that the money had been repaid in full. He denied that the money was bribe money, insisting it was a loan.
Here are some key points to consider:
- Carrim’s request to testify in-camera is due to death threats and safety concerns
- The commission will rule on the request on Monday
- Carrim’s evidence is set to be heard on Monday and Tuesday
- Relationships between high-profile individuals and allegations of wrongdoing are being investigated
For more information on the commission’s work, visit the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development website.
