The State is expected to continue opposing bail for North West businessman Suliman Carrim, with prosecutors questioning his travel arrangements and arguing that he poses a flight risk following his arrest at OR Tambo International Airport.
Former ANC regional treasurer and North West businessman Carrim is expected to return to the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court today for the continuation of his bail application after the State opposed his release, citing concerns that he could flee the country.
Carrim spent the weekend behind bars at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre after his bail hearing was postponed on Friday to allow the State to verify his residential addresses, with prosecutors deeming him a high-risk detainee.
He was arrested on Thursday night at OR Tambo International Airport while allegedly preparing to board a flight to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), accompanied by his family.
The arrest relates to fraud and corruption charges originating from the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality in the North West.
During Friday’s proceedings, the State questioned Carrim’s travel arrangements, focusing on the five large bags he was carrying and challenging his claim that he had a return ticket.
Prosecutors argued that Carrim had a one-way ticket and no verifiable return booking in his immediate possession, raising concerns about whether he intended to return to South Africa.
However, police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe publicly stated that investigators had found Carrim possessed a return ticket booked for October 28, 2026, and that police had no initial evidence that he was fleeing the country.
Carrim’s defence team also disputed the State’s version, telling the court that the return ticket was held by his wife and could be verified through their travel agent.
His lawyers maintained that he was travelling with his wife to attend a religious event in Saudi Arabia, passing through Dubai, and argued that the luggage was ordinary for a family undertaking such a journey.
Taking the witness stand in support of his bail application, Carrim described the trip as one for “spiritual upliftment”, telling the court that he had travelled to Dubai, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan for religious reasons over the past 17 years.
He explained that the bags contained snacks for the children, insisting that the family’s travel arrangements had a legitimate religious purpose.
During the proceedings, Carrim denied wrongdoing, telling the court: “I am not a criminal.”
He also raised concerns about his health, citing panic attacks and blackouts and saying he had been advised against cross-examination. After consulting his legal team, however, he agreed to continue.
The State’s concerns over Carrim’s travel arrangements and residential addresses are expected to feature as the bail proceedings resume on Monday.
Carrim remains in custody pending the continuation of his bail application today.