Kamogelo Moichela|Published
North West businessman Suliman Carrim will remain behind bars until at least October 30 after the Musina Magistrate’s Court postponed his alleged cross-border vehicle-smuggling case, involving two vehicles belonging to Absa, amid a congested court roll.
The postponement came despite the state indicating that it was ready to proceed with the bail hearing.
“The court is congested, therefore we can hear his bail hearing today,” the stated said.
After a short break, his lawyers agreed that the matter be postponed to the date, adding “Mr Carrim needs to travel back to Pretoria”.
Carrim remains in custody at the Kgosi Mampuru correctional facility, with the matter scheduled to return to court on October 30.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed that Carrim faces charges of attempted theft and money laundering linked to the vehicles.
According to NPA Limpopo regional spokesperson Mashudu Malabi, Carrim allegedly colluded with employees in an attempt to move the vehicles across the border using fraudulent documentation.
The case stems from an incident on July 22, 2026, when police at the Beitbridge border post in Musina intercepted two vehicles allegedly destined for Malawi.
In statement, police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said two suspects were arrested and charged in connection with the incident.
Preliminary investigations suggest the vehicles were being transported from Mahikeng, North West, towards Beitbridge for onward movement across the border.
Investigators allege that arrangements were made to obtain bank authorisation documents required for the vehicles’ lawful cross-border transportation.
When the necessary authorisation was not provided, fraudulent bank documents were allegedly arranged instead.
The Commission’s Recommendations Task Team (CRTT) added Carrim as an accused in two existing cases on Wednesday.
The vehicle case is separate from proceedings Carrim faces in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court, where his bail application was postponed to October 28.
In that matter, the state accuses him of tailoring his account of when he became aware of a subpoena requiring him to appear before the Madlanga Commission.
Carrim was arrested on October 15 at OR Tambo International Airport in Ekurhuleni while preparing to board a flight to Saudi Arabia via Dubai.
kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za
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