Kamogelo Moichela|Published
Five large bags, a disputed return ticket and a planned religious journey to Saudi Arabia took centre stage in court as the State opposed bail for North West businessman Suliman Carrim, arguing that he posed a flight risk after being intercepted at OR Tambo International Airport.
The Pretoria Magistrate’s Court postponed his bail hearing until Monday, leaving him behind bars for the weekend.
Carrim, a former ANC regional treasurer, was intercepted on Thursday night while allegedly attempting to board a flight to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
On Friday, the State turned its attention to his travel arrangements, questioning why he was carrying five large bags and challenging the circumstances surrounding his return ticket.
Prosecutors described the luggage as “voluminous”, arguing that the quantity raised questions about whether Carrim intended to return to South Africa.
They maintained that the travel arrangements warranted serious concern, particularly given the circumstances of his interception at the airport.
But Carrim’s legal team rejected the suggestion that the trip pointed to a possible escape.
His lawyers told the court that he was travelling with his wife to attend a religious event in Saudi Arabia, passing through Dubai.
They maintained that the luggage was ordinary for a family undertaking such a journey and disputed the State’s position on his return arrangements, saying a ticket for October 28 existed.
Taking the witness stand in support of his bail application, Carrim described the purpose of the trip as “spiritual upliftment”.
He told the court that he had undertaken the journey annually for 17 years and explained that the bags contained snacks for the children.
The defence maintained that the journey had a legitimate religious and family purpose.
The magistrate postponed proceedings until Monday, with Carrim expected to remain in custody at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre over the weekend.
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