Suliman Carrim hit with fresh charges in vehicle theft case

North West businessman Suliman Carrim faces fresh criminal charges linked to the alleged attempted theft of two vehicles belonging to Absa.

Carrim appeared in the Musina Magistrate’s Court in Limpopo on Thursday, 22 October, in connection with allegations involving fraudulent bank documents and an attempt to move vehicles across the border.

The case was postponed to 30 October for a bail application.

The latest development adds to Carrim’s legal troubles as he awaits a separate bail ruling over his alleged failure to appear before the Madlanga Commission.

CARRIM LINKED TO ALLEGED VEHICLE THEFT

According to police, the latest charges stem from an incident at the Beitbridge border post on 22 July 2026.

Officers intercepted two vehicles that were allegedly being transported from Mahikeng in the North West to Malawi.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said investigators established that arrangements had allegedly been made to obtain bank authorisation documents for the vehicles to leave South Africa.

However, the required authorisation was allegedly not provided.

Investigators believe fraudulent bank documents were subsequently arranged to facilitate the vehicles’ movement across the border.

The vehicles were still under finance and were returned to the bank.

Two suspects were initially arrested in connection with the incident.

The Commission’s Recommendations Task Team added Carrim as an accused in the two cases on Wednesday, 21 October.

The National Prosecuting Authority alleges that Carrim acted with others in an attempt to remove the vehicles from South Africa using fraudulent documentation.

The allegations remain before the courts.

MADLANGA COMMISSION CASE CONTINUES

Carrim’s latest court appearance follows his arrest at OR Tambo International Airport earlier this month.

He was arrested while preparing to travel abroad after allegedly failing to return to the Madlanga Commission despite being directed to appear.

He appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court, where the State opposed his release on bail.

Prosecutors argued that he posed a flight risk.

Carrim’s legal representatives disputed this and maintained that he intended to return to South Africa.

The Pretoria court postponed its bail ruling to 28 October.

Carrim remains in custody and is expected back in the Musina Magistrate’s Court on 30 October in connection with the vehicle case.