Carrim denies receiving kickbacks from 'Cat' Matlala's SAPS tender

Controversial North West businessman Suleiman Carrim has denied he received kickbacks from an irregular South African Police Service (SAPS) tender scored by suspected crime boss Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

Carrim said the money was a return on the R10 million investment he made into Matlala’s company Medicare24.

He has been testifying at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry about his relationship with Matlala.

In June 2024, Medicare24 was awarded a R360 million tender from the SAPS. The company was contracted to provide medical services to police officers.

Carrim said in the same month, he was approached by Matlala for a business meeting.

“At the meeting, Vusi told me he was the director of Medicare24 and he had won this contract to provide medical services to SAPS. He then needed and required funds to perform under the tender as he had over-capitalised on the establishment of his tender and, therefore, encountered cash flow problems.”

Carrim said he received R1.7 million back from Matlala before the tender was terminated in April 2025.

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