North West businessman Suliman Carrim was allegedly spotted shopping at a Woolworths in the Western Cape, prompting evidence leader Adv. Matthew Chaskalson to request that the inquiry subpoena his doctors and obtain his medical records.
The dramatic claim surfaced on Wednesday at the Madlanga Commission after the postponed testimony of Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
Chaskalson told commissioners that two whistleblowers had independently reported seeing Carrim at a shopping centre, where they allegedly also saw him having lunch.
Chaskalson said the commission is now waiting for CCTV footage from the shopping centre or Woolworths to establish whether the claims can be verified.
The allegations emerged as Carrim again failed to testify before the commission, citing ill health.
Chaskalson argued that while the medical note submitted on Carrim’s behalf explained his absence, it did not state that he was medically incapable of responding to the commission’s questions.
He reminded commissioners that Carrim had also failed to appear after receiving notice on June 17 and that the commission was still waiting for an affidavit addressing its questions.
Chaskalson further told the inquiry that financial statements linked to Carrim’s companies, Ziggy, Tasmika and Tamiez, remain outstanding, adding that the businesses have received millions of rand.
