President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered a Special Investigating Unit (SIU) probe into multimillion-rand North West government tenders linked to controversial businessman Suliman Carrim. The investigation will examine allegations of improper conduct, financial flows and possible losses to the state. At the centre of the probe is a R168-million contract awarded by the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management.
The deal was awarded to a joint venture between Carrim’s Transnat Coach Lines and Ziggy Investments. Investigators will also scrutinise financial transactions involving the joint venture and late taxi boss Jotham “King Mswazi” Msibi. The inquiry extends to North West Transport Investment – the entity that awarded the tenders and is now under business rescue.
The SIU has been authorised to investigate whether Carrim or any other parties received undue benefits. Carrim is also facing criminal charges after repeatedly failing to appear before the Madlanga Commission. He previously cited ill health and a heart attack as reasons for missing proceedings.
However, the commission says whistleblower information and CCTV footage appear to show him shopping and dining in Cape Town. The commission is also questioning Carrim about alleged links to accused tender fraud suspect Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala and payments exceeding two million rand to a company linked to him.
