Carrim accused of concealing payments to 'Cat' Matlala

PRETORIA -  ANC-linked businessman Suleiman Carrim was set to explain why he was hiding more than R2-million worth of payments he made to a company linked to alleged criminal kingpin Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala. 

But his legal team wanted to delay proceedings to study financial statements which they received late.

The  Madlanga Commission saw no need for a postponement, opting for a temporary stand-down.

Carrim's legal team saw this as their application for postponement having been prejudged.

READ | Carrim's second bid for postponement fails

This prompted a heated exchange between retired judge Mbuyiseli Madlanga and Bhana.

Madlanga said, engaging councils has nothing to do with matters being prejudged and took a strong exception to that.

After an apology from Bhana, the commission evidence leaders revealed that one of  Carrim’s companies had paid over R2-million to Matlala's Medicare24, which he did not disclose.

Additionally, the commission also revealed that over R300-million was sent to Carrim by municipalities in the North West, where he is an ANC regional treasurer.

READ | Madlanga Commission flags possible money laundering in Carrim, Matlala, Maumela dealings

Carrim said he'd need time to study and verify some the payments from the municipalities. 

He added that he did not  authorise the R2.1-million paid to Matlala from Tasmika Construction, a company to which he's a signatory.

 Carrim will resume his testimony on the 14th of April. Suspended National Head of  Organised Crime Richard  Shibiri returns on Wednesday.

Pule Letshiti-Jones filed this report.

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