Businessman Claims R8.4 Million Loss in Disputed SAPS Healthcare Tender, Madlanga Commission Hears
Viable News Team 
A North West businessman has told the Madlanga Commission that he lost millions of rand after investing in a healthcare company linked to a controversial South African Police Service (SAPS) contract.
Suliman Carrim, director of the security firm Fusion Tactical Team, testified that he invested R10 million into a healthcare services provider called Medicare24, owned by businessman Vusimuzi Matlala, also known as “Cat”.
Carrim said he received only R1.75 million in repayments, leaving him R8.4 million out of pocket.
Investment Linked to SAPS Medical Services Tender
The investment was tied to a R360 million contract awarded to Medicare24 to provide medical services to the South African Police Service.
However, the contract was declared invalid in June 2025 after authorities identified procurement irregularities in the tender process.
Carrim told the commission he first met Matlala in June 2024, when Matlala approached him seeking financial backing for the healthcare contract.
According to Carrim, Matlala explained that his company had overcapitalised on another municipal tender with the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, creating the need for additional funding.
Carrim said he was familiar with Matlala through the private security industry, and before committing funds he visited Medicare24’s facilities to verify the business.
“The facility appeared legitimate and well equipped,” Carrim told the commission.
Verification Through Associate Brown Mogotsi
Before finalising the investment, Carrim said he sought confirmation about the tender from Brown Mogotsi, an acquaintance he had known for nearly two decades.
Carrim testified that Mogotsi assured him the SAPS contract was legitimate, which influenced his decision to provide the R10 million funding.
Mogotsi has emerged as a controversial figure during the commission’s proceedings, with allegations raised that he may have acted as a middleman between criminal networks and political figures.
Allegations of Misrepresentation
Carrim said repayment delays began soon after the investment was made, prompting him to seek assistance from Mogotsi to recover the funds.
He told the commission that Mogotsi suggested a strategy intended to pressure Matlala to pay.
According to Carrim, Mogotsi advised him to tell Matlala that he had a close relationship with suspended police minister Senzo Mchunu and access to the minister’s office.
Carrim said he immediately rejected the idea.
“I advised Brown that this was a joke because I had no relationship with the minister or his office,” he told the commission.
Despite his reservations, Carrim said Mogotsi continued sending him messages and correspondence allegedly linked to Mchunu, which he later forwarded to Matlala in an effort to encourage repayment.
By that stage, however, media reports had already revealed that the Medicare24 contract had been cancelled.
Claims He Was “Played”
Carrim told the commission that the communication between Mogotsi and Matlala eventually raised suspicions.
He said that once the messages were forwarded, Matlala began avoiding contact with him.
“It is clear that both of them were playing me,” Carrim told the inquiry.
He added that he later realised Mogotsi may have misrepresented his influence with the police minister, describing the situation as deeply frustrating.
Carrim also pointed out that Mchunu only assumed office in July 2024, while the SAPS contract had been awarded earlier under former police minister Bheki Cele.
This timeline, he said, made it impossible for him to have any influence over the contract.
“It is impossible and untrue that I would have any persuasive influence over two ministers of police,” Carrim testified.
Millions Still Outstanding
Carrim told the commission he never received the remaining funds or any returns from the investment.
He said he ultimately suffered a financial loss of approximately R8.4 million, and believes both Mogotsi and Matlala played roles in misleading him.
The Madlanga Commission continues to hear testimony related to alleged corruption, tender irregularities and possible political interference connected to the SAPS healthcare contract.
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