The official was reportedly handcuffed at the airport on Thursday night,
Picture: iStock
A 49-year-old man has been arrested at OR Tambo International Airport on Friday while allegedly attempting to flee the country.
The official, who has not been identified, was reportedly handcuffed at the airport on Thursday night, 16 October 2026, just moments before he was set to board an international flight.
Who is arrested?
Media reports claimed the man was a North West businessman and former ANC North West Regional Treasurer Suliman Carrim, but police did not confirm this, only saying that the man was meant to appear before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
“The suspect was arrested for failing to appear before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry,” police revealed on Friday.
He is expected to appear before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
Madlanga commission
Meanwhile, the Madlanga commission has firmly denied allegations by Serge Cabonge that individuals linked to the inquiry attempted to interfere in a criminal investigation, describing the claims as “false, incoherent and not supported by any facts”.
The allegations surfaced in a voice recording played during the bail hearing of former deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court.
According to the recording, Cabonge claimed he knew someone closely associated with the commission and suggested that senior figures linked to the inquiry wanted a criminal case involving a judge’s girlfriend’s daughter to disappear.
Allegations
Spokesperson Jeremy Michaels said the commission first became aware of the allegations when the recording emerged in court and initially planned to investigate the claims.
However, amid growing public speculation, the commission issued a strongly worded response rejecting the allegations outright. Michaels said there was no factual basis for claims that any commissioner, evidence leader or representative had sought to influence or interfere in any criminal investigation. He further stressed that none of the commissioners or evidence leaders had ever met, spoken to or communicated with Cabonge.
The commission reiterated its commitment to carrying out its work independently, transparently and without fear, favour or prejudice. It also urged the public to distinguish between unverified allegations and established facts.
Public hearings are scheduled to resume on 9 November as the inquiry continues probing allegations of criminality, political interference and corruption within South Africa’s criminal justice system.
