Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa has authorised a Special Investigating Unit (SIU) investigation into multimillion-rand North West transport contracts linked to businessman Suliman Carrim, including an R168 million commuter transport tender.
The investigation will examine allegations of serious maladministration, corruption, irregular expenditure and possible undue benefits involving North West Transport Investment (NTI) and companies linked to Carrim.
At the centre of the probe is an R168 million contract awarded by the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management to a joint venture between Carrim’s Transnat Coach Lines and Ziggy Investments.
The SIU will investigate the procurement and contracting processes behind the deal, as well as payments and claims involving the joint venture.
The investigation will also examine financial dealings between the joint venture and the late taxi boss Jotham “King Mswazi” Msibi, who died in January 2024.
According to EWN, the proclamation signed by Ramaphosa also authorises an investigation into NTI, its subsidiary North West Star and Atteridgeville Bus Service.
Investigators will scrutinise contracts involving fuel supply, vehicle rental and commuter bus services, as well as the processing and payment of claims submitted by several companies.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered the Special Investigating Unit
(SIU) to probe multimillion-rand tenders awarded by the North West government to controversial businessman Suliman Carrim, in a process that could see his assets forfeited to the state.https://t.co/DwWaeMvenw pic.twitter.com/Eg9H0tbgcJ— Business Day (@BDliveSA) September 14, 2026
The SIU will also examine the conduct of NTI’s business rescue practitioner, employees and agents to establish whether any party benefited improperly or whether the state suffered financial losses.
IOL reported that the North West provincial government awarded at least 10 tenders worth more than R251 million to companies owned by Carrim, with the R168 million commuter transport contract being the largest.
The SIU is empowered to investigate whether the contracts were awarded or managed improperly and whether public funds were lost.
Any evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during the investigation can be referred to the National Prosecuting Authority, while the SIU can pursue civil recovery proceedings where appropriate.
The investigation adds to mounting scrutiny of Carrim, who is also facing criminal charges after repeatedly failing to appear before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
The commission is investigating allegations of corruption within South Africa’s criminal justice system and had sought Carrim’s evidence about his alleged links to businessman Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala.
Matlala is facing charges linked to an R360 million SAPS health-services tender.
The commission also questioned Carrim about alleged financial links to Matlala, including payments involving companies associated with him.
Carrim has previously cited serious illness, including a heart attack after collapsing at a gym, for his failure to appear before the commission.
However, the commission has heard evidence, including whistleblower information and CCTV footage, which it said appeared to show Carrim shopping and dining in Cape Town.
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Compiled by Glaan Sibuyi
