North West businessman Suliman Carrim has been granted bail of R100,000 by the Pretoria magistrate's court. Carrim was arrested at Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport earlier this month by the Madlanga commission's recommendations task team. The arrest was made for allegedly contravening the Commissions Act after repeatedly failing to appear before the inquiry.
The magistrate acknowledged Carrim's failure to appear before the Madlanga commission was concerning. However, the court emphasised that it must not determine his guilt during bail proceedings. The court ultimately found that any identified risks could be appropriately managed through the commission's oversight. This decision was made after both sides had concluded their arguments.
Before bail was granted, the state applied to reopen its case to submit additional evidence. The state revealed that Carrim faces a separate pending charge in Musina involving the alleged unlawful transportation of two vehicles across the border. Prosecutors also argued that Carrim failed to disclose that his wife owns other properties.
The defence opposed the state's application, arguing that both sides had closed their arguments. They contended that whether Carrim's wife owns additional properties was irrelevant to his bail eligibility. The defence also argued that the pending case in Musina was completely unrelated to the current matter.
The magistrate dismissed the state's application to introduce new evidence, ruling it would not affect the court's judgment. The magistrate subsequently granted bail to Carrim. As part of his bail conditions, Carrim must attend all proceedings in this matter unless excused by the court.
Carrim's passport, currently in the possession of the investigating officer, is to be retained until the completion of the trial. Any other international travel documents in his possession must be surrendered to the investigating officer within 24 hours of his release from custody. He is prohibited from applying for or obtaining replacement passports or travel documents without prior permission from the court.
Despite being granted bail in this matter, Carrim remains in custody pending a separate bail application on Friday in Musina linked to an alleged cross-border vehicle smuggling syndicate. Carrim is required to reside at his five residential addresses in Mafikeng and must not travel outside the area without prior permission from the investigating officer.
Key points
- Suliman Carrim was granted bail of R100,000 by the Pretoria magistrate's court.
- Carrim faces a separate pending charge in Musina involving the alleged unlawful transportation of two vehicles across the border.
- Carrim must attend all proceedings in this matter unless excused by the court and is prohibited from leaving the country without court authorisation.
