North West businessman Suliman Carrim is expected to appear in the Musina Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, facing charges of attempted theft and money laundering linked to two vehicles belonging to Absa, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has confirmed.
According to the NPA’s Limpopo regional spokesperson, Mashudu Malabi, Carrim allegedly colluded with his employees in an attempt to take the vehicles out of the country using fraudulent documentation.
The Commission’s Recommendations Task Team (CRTT) added Carrim as an accused in two existing cases on Wednesday, October 21.
Carrim accused of attempting to take Absa vehicles out of the country
In a statement, the NPA said Carrim was expected to appear before the Musina Magistrate’s Court on October 22, 2026, on charges involving the two vehicles.
“It is alleged that Carrim, acting in collusion with his employees, attempted to steal two vehicles belonging to ABSA by taking them out of the country using fraudulent documentation,” the NPA said.
The charges stem from an incident on July 22, 2026, when police members stationed at the Beitbridge border post in Musina intercepted two motor vehicles allegedly destined for Malawi.
According to police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, two suspects were arrested and charged in connection with the incident.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the vehicles were allegedly being transported from Mahikeng in the North West towards the Beitbridge border post for onward transportation across the border.
Police said arrangements had allegedly been made to obtain bank authorisation documents to facilitate the lawful cross-border movement of the vehicles. However, the required authorisation was allegedly not provided, and fraudulent bank documents were subsequently arranged.
The circumstances surrounding the alleged use of fraudulent documentation and the intended movement of the vehicles across the border form part of the ongoing investigation.
The two vehicles, which were still under finance, were handed over to the bank.
Two accused remain in custody
The NPA confirmed that two accused were already in custody after they were arrested while allegedly attempting to cross into Zimbabwe through the Beitbridge border post with the vehicles.
Police previously indicated that the two suspects were expected to appear before the Musina Regional Court on October 27.
Carrim’s expected appearance on October 22 follows his addition to the two existing cases.
The allegations against all the accused remain subject to the court process.
Carrim’s other legal troubles
Carrim’s latest court appearance comes amid separate legal proceedings following his arrest at OR Tambo International Airport on October 15.
The businessman was arrested while preparing to travel abroad and subsequently appeared before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court in connection with his alleged failure to appear before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
His arrest also followed an investigation into allegations of fraud and corruption relating to the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality in the North West.
During his bail proceedings, the State raised concerns about his travel arrangements, arguing that he posed a flight risk. His legal team disputed the suggestion that he intended to flee the country.
His bail proceedings were postponed to October 28, with Carrim remaining in custody pending the outcome of the application.
The charges involving the Absa vehicles add to the legal matters facing the businessman, who has also been under scrutiny over allegations linked to the Madlanga Commission.
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