Llewellyn MacMaster

UPDATE: SULIMAN CARRIM ARRESTED AFTER FAILING TO APPEAR BEFORE MADLANGA COMMISSION: Suliman Carrim has been arrested at OR Tambo International Airport, moments before he was due to board an international flight. The 49-year-old controversial businessman and former ANC North West Regional Treasurer was arrested last night by the Commissions Recommendations Task Team (CRTT) for failing to appear before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. He is expected to appear in the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court this morning. Carrim previously testified about his business dealings with controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, whose company, Medicare24, was awarded a controversial R360-million SAPS healthcare services tender. Carrim told the commission about a loan of approximately R10-million to Matlala. His financial dealings and related transactions came under scrutiny during questioning. However, Carrim’s failure to return for further questioning became a major issue before the commission. After giving evidence in March, his further testimony was delayed repeatedly because of alleged “health issues”. The commission raised concerns about his continued absence and his failure to comply with its directives, including a request for an independent medical assessment. Evidence was led showing him moving around Cape Town - at a time he claimed he was admitted to a medical facility. His legal representatives maintained that his health concerns were genuine. The commission, however, moved to initiate criminal proceedings after he failed to appear as required. He also failed to undergo an independent medical assessment. His arrest at OR Tambo now brings the matter before the criminal courts. The immediate issue is his failure to attend the commission. He faces charges under the Commissions Act. The Commission opened charges with the police weeks ago. Sources say Carrim is under investigation on a number of fronts. His non-appearance at the Commission is only one element. Tenders awarded to his companies by the North West Govt is also under scrutiny. Carrim failed to submit details of his auditors and make financial records available to the Commission. This is also the subject of another investigation. Carrim’s “deals” with controversial business people is the subject of scrutiny. The SIU, sources say, are also looking into some matters.

JUST IN: FANNIE MASEMOLA TO RESUME DUTIES AS NATIONAL POLICE COMMISSIONER President Cyril Ramaphosa has lifted the precautionary suspension of National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola. Masemola will resume his full duties on Monday, 19 October 2026. He was placed on precautionary suspension in April following his appearance in the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on charges relating to an alleged contravention of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). The National Director of Public Prosecutions instructed on 15 September that the charges be withdrawn. The Pretoria Magistrates’ Court formally withdrew the charges on 22 September. Ramaphosa has thanked Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane for her service during Masemola’s absence.

GERMISTON: FATHER ARRESTED FOR ALLEGEDLY POISONING TWO DAUGHTERS A 34-year-old man has been arrested in Germiston in connection with the alleged poisoning and murder of his two daughters, aged one and 11. According to the EMPD, the suspect allegedly mixed sleeping pills into his family’s food on Tuesday, 13 October. The two girls died at the scene, while his wife and another daughter survived. The suspect allegedly fled but was arrested by EMPD Community Liaison Unit officers on Thursday, 15 October, following a tip-off. He faces two counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder. He was detained at Germiston Police Station and is expected to appear in the Germiston Magistrates’ Court.

MPUMALANGA: ALLEGED ILLEGAL REHAB CENTRE UNCOVERED WITH 200 PEOPLE The Mpumalanga Department of Social Development has uncovered an alleged illegal rehabilitation centre operating at a church in Waterval B, Siyabuswa. During an inspection on Thursday, 15 October, officials and SAPS members found approximately 200 people at the premises, despite the pastor and his wife claiming to accommodate about 60. Officials reported inhumane living conditions, including overcrowded rooms, inadequate ablution facilities, locked water taps and serious environmental health violations. Children aged 11 and 16 were allegedly housed alongside adult men and women. Some users reportedly had sores across their bodies, while others were allegedly chained to one another. Residents were reportedly charged R3,000 per month, with R1,300 per person allegedly paid to the church through intermediaries who recruited them. The pastor and his wife were taken to the police station as persons of interest. The department is profiling those found at the centre and contacting families to arrange reunification and referrals to appropriate social services.