IN THE DOCK: Carrim says doctors backed Dubai trip despite commission no-show
Too ill to return to the Madlanga Commission but well enough for an overseas pilgrimage, Suliman Carrim faced tough questions in court about whether he could be trusted to stand trial if released on bail. For now, he will spend the weekend behind bars alongside Shadrack Sibiya and Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, whose names have also featured at the commission.
Suliman Carrim, a controversial businessman and ANC member, faced court questioning in Pretoria on Friday, 16 October, regarding his plans to travel abroad despite failing to return to the Madlanga Commission to complete his testimony. Carrim's legal team argued that his doctors had encouraged him to undertake a religious pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia and Pakistan for "spiritual upliftment", citing his heart condition, anxiety, and other health issues.
The court heard that Carrim was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport with five bags of luggage, raising questions about his intentions to return to South Africa. His legal representative, Hendrik Potgieter, emphasized Carrim's health concerns, stating that the stress of detention and court proceedings could trigger a panic attack.
Carrim declined to answer questions about his lack of attendance at the Madlanga Commission, stating that the circumstances would be discussed during his trial. The prosecutor argued that Carrim's evasiveness and the evidence presented during the Madlanga Commission proceedings suggested a high likelihood of criminal investigation if released on bail.
Written by urgent.news from Daily Maverick's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
