Suliman Carrim wins R100k bail – but there’s a catch

North West businessman Suliman Carrim has been granted R100 000 bail, but he will remain in custody as he faces a separate criminal case in Limpopo.

The Pretoria Magistrate’s Court granted Carrim bail on Wednesday, 28 October, following his arrest for allegedly failing to appear before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.

Magistrate Marc Curlewis imposed strict conditions after the State argued that Carrim posed a flight risk.

COURT REJECTS FLIGHT RISK ARGUMENT

Carrim was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport on 15 October, shortly before he was due to board an international flight.

The State opposed bail, arguing that he could evade trial if released.

The court found that the prosecution had not established sufficient grounds to keep him in custody in this case.

Under his bail conditions, Carrim must surrender his travel documents, obtain permission before leaving South Africa and report to the Mmabatho Police Station every Monday.

He must also make arrangements to return to the Madlanga Commission to complete his testimony.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) warned that any breach of his bail conditions could result in his arrest and further detention.

WHY CARRIM REMAINS BEHIND BARS

Despite securing bail in Pretoria, Carrim remains in custody in connection with a separate case before the Musina Magistrate’s Court.

He faces charges linked to the alleged attempted theft of two vehicles and the use of fraudulent bank documents.

The case is scheduled to return to court on Friday, 30 October, for a bail application.

In the Madlanga Commission matter, Carrim faces a charge under Section 6(1) of the Commissions Act for allegedly failing to appear before the inquiry on 14 August.

The Pretoria court postponed that case to 8 December 2026 for disclosure of the docket.