By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry have expressed that they intend to lay criminal charges against North-West business man, Suliman Carrim, as he failed to appear before the inquiry.

Carrim was expected to give his testimony at the Madlanga Commission on Friday, four months after he allegedly suffered a heart attack after he collapsed at the gym.

 Chairperson of the Inquiry, Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga had given orders to the secretary, Dr Nolitha Vukuza, to catalyse and facilitate the process of bringing charges against Carrim, as he emphasised the importance of the commission adhering to their protocols and established procedures.

 “If we don’t do this, other witnesses will simply not come and testify,” said Madlanga. Madlanga also expressed that the commission is not expected to engage further with Carrim.

Which would mean that Carrim will most likely not appear before the commission again. His testimony has been postponed a total of five times since the beginning of April, as his lawyers consistently cited his health as the reason for his lack of appearance before the commission.

However, due to his delays becoming subject to scrutiny, evidence leaders presented the commission with information and evidence that Carrim was seen at a restaurant in Cape Town, during a period where he expressed that he was too ill to testify at the commission.

 The commission now intends for Carrim to undergo medical examination in order to ascertain whether or not he is indeed incapable of testifying due to his health. Friday’s appearance will prove critical in whether or not his health will be a point of contention because of his repeated absences.