North West businessman Suliman Carrim appeared in the Musina Magistrate’s Court in Limpopo on Monday, 9 November, seeking bail in a separate case involving the alleged attempted theft of two vehicles financed by Absa Bank.
The prosecution argued that Carrim’s residence permit in the United Arab Emirates, along with his financial interests and international connections, raised concerns he might flee. They also noted his previous failure to appear before the Madlanga Commission, suggesting this indicated a reluctance to comply with legal processes.
The case stems from an incident at the Beitbridge Border Post, where police intercepted two vehicles allegedly being transported from Mahikeng to Malawi. Carrim and two co-accused face charges of fraud, attempted theft of motor vehicles, and uttering. The state claims fraudulent bank letters were used to facilitate the vehicles’ movement across the border without Absa’s consent.
Carrim disputes the state’s claims, arguing that an attempt to move the vehicles without permission does not prove an intent to permanently deprive Absa of its property. He offered an alternative explanation for the journey, citing a family visit, grocery delivery, and a short stay.
His defence also challenged the state’s use of WhatsApp messages, contending he had not consented to police downloading information from his phone following his arrest at OR Tambo International Airport on 15 October. He stated no search warrant authorising the download had been provided and questioned whether the messages had been accurately contextualised.
He further disputed the reliability of statements from his co-accused, suggesting their own legal troubles should be considered when evaluating the state’s case.
Regarding bail, his defence acknowledged the severity of the charges but argued this alone did not indicate he would flee or fail to comply with court conditions. They also maintained that his separate proceedings involving the Madlanga Commission should not automatically affect his bail application in Musina.
This hearing follows Carrim being granted R100,000 bail by the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on 28 October for the Madlanga Commission matter, although he remained in custody due to the ongoing Musina case.
Carrim is awaiting the outcome of his bail application.
