Businessman Suliman Carrim’s bail application postponed until 16 November
North West businessman Suliman Carrim remains behind bars after the state opposed his bail application in the Musina Magistrate’s Court over an alleged cross-border vehicle theft scheme.
Former North West ANC treasurer Suliman Carrim challenged the legality of messages downloaded from his seized phone in a South African court on November 9. Carrim was arrested for allegedly aiding the illegal transportation of two vehicles across the border. The state opposed his bail, branding him a flight risk due to undisclosed properties, a R30 million bond, and his residency in the UAE.
The court postponed the matter until November 16. Carrim denied agreeing to the phone download, stating he had never received copies, nor had he been shown a search warrant. He also reserved his right to challenge the evidence's collection and presentation. The state's case hinged on Carrim being a flight risk, citing his undisclosed properties, bond, and UAE residency.
Carrim argued that some properties belonged to separate companies and that his second wife's rented home was not his. The court rejected claims that Carrim was unfit to attend court due to illness, as no doctor's letters were presented. Carrim denied involvement in the vehicle transportation plan and questioned the state's reasoning behind classifying the vehicles as proceeds of unlawful activity.
His lawyers argued that his passport held by the investigating officer prevented him from fleeing, and suggested alternative conditions such as a travel ban.
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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