Stress from Madlanga proceedings affecting Carrim’s health: Lawyer

Legal counsel for North-West businessman Suliman Carrim has argued that his client suffers from a heart condition that previously resulted in hospitalisation and postponements before the Madlanga Commission.

Advocate Hendrik Potgieter submitted that the stress and anxiety arising from the proceedings were taking a significant toll on Carrim’s health and could trigger a panic attack.

Carrim, who is making his first appearance in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court, faces a charge of contravening of a section of the Commissions Act for failing to appear before the Madlanga Commission despite being directed to do so.

WATCH | Businessman Suliman Carrim tells the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court that he has made the trip annually for 17 years, adding that his bags were filled with snacks for the children. https://t.co/ny2gSG9bbP — SABC News (@SABCNews) October 16, 2026 Potgieter has told the court that Carrim had not taken his medication on the morning of the hearing and was concerned about the impact on his medical condition.

“He didn’t use any medication this morning and he further states that he can feel that it might lead to a panic attack which would be detrimental to his medical condition.

Your Worship, if one now weighs that against the reason that the state provided, the state, and that’s the only reason that was provided to me, Your Worship, was to say we need to confirm the address physically of the accused.” Suliman Carrim | Defence insists Carrim was going on a pilgrimage and would return: Canny Maphanga: