JUST IN: Suliman Carrim granted bail

Carrim had been in custody since his arrest 15 October. North West businessman Suliman Carrim will be released from custody after the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court ruled in favour of his application for bail. In a judgment delivered on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, Magistrate Curlewis found that Carrim had provided sufficient grounds to warrant his release, subject to stringent conditions. Suliman Carrim arrested Carrim was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport on 15 October while preparing to board a flight to Saudi Arabia via the United Arab Emirates (UAE). He faces a charge of failing to appear before the commission after a criminal complaint was lodged against him over alleged contempt of court. The businessman last appeared before the commission on 9 and 10 March 2026 when he was questioned about his various dealings and was due to return on 15 April. However, he allegedly suffered a heart attack two days before the scheduled appearance. Carrim’s repeated absences on ill health between April and July prompted concerns from the commission. He was eventually ordered to appear in person on 14 August, but failed and did not return to the inquiry. Attempted theft Carrim is facing a separate case before the Musina Magistrate’s Court, involving charges of attempted theft of motor vehicles, fraud and uttering. The charges relate to an incident on 22 July 2026, when police officers stationed at the Beitbridge border post in Musina intercepted two vehicles allegedly being moved across the border en-route to Zimbabwe, before their intended onward transportation to Malawi. Two suspects, reportedly employed by Carrim, were arrested following the interception. Investigations allegedly revealed that the necessary authorisation for the vehicles to be transported across the border had not been obtained. Fraudulent bank documents were subsequently arranged, according to the South African Police Service (Saps). Carrim was later arrested on allegations that he had colluded with his employees in an attempt to steal the two vehicles. He made his first court appearance last week and is expected to return to the Musina Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 30 October 2026. Fraud and corruption probe Additionally, Carrim could face further charges linked to alleged fraud and corruption involving the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality in North West. The matter remains under investigation by its cold case unit, which has been handling it since 2025, according to national police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe. Mathe previously indicated that the investigation was at an advanced stage. In September, President Cyril Ramaphosa authorised the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate claims of maladministration, corruption, and irregular expenditure at the North West Transport Investments (NTI). Among the tender being examined is a contract worth R168 million awarded to a joint venture comprising Carrim’s company, Ziggy Investments and Tansnat Coachlines.