Carrim may join employees as co-accused as case postponed

Suliman Carrim, a North West businessman, could soon be facing charges alongside his employees in a case that has been postponed until November 23. The postponement comes as prosecutors consider the possibility of adding Carrim as the third accused, facing similar charges to those of Musa Phiri and Zakes Ibrahim.

The two employees were arrested in July after their vehicles were intercepted at the Beitbridge Border Post. They were unable to provide legitimate bank documents authorizing them to cross the border with vehicles still under finance. Both were called in separately to postpone their proceedings at Musina Regional Court.

Musa Phiri has hinted at a potential plea arrangement, stating to his lawyers that the 23rd would be suitable for preparing a plea statement. This is due to the state prosecutor's request for their statement to demonstrate exonerating the accused who plans to join as the third party. Zakes Ibrahim also had his matter postponed, with the new date set to allow for a joinder where Carrim and his employees will appear side by side.

During the court submissions on Monday, it was revealed that three vehicles were involved during the arrests of the two employees. One of these vehicles was reportedly meant to be used by the two to return to South Africa. Meanwhile, Carrim's bail application in the schedule five case remains pending a decision at Musina magistrate's court on Monday.