Also see: Suliman Carrim arrested amid mounting corruption allegations
Suliman, 49, appeared briefly before the Musina Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 22 October, but the matter could not be accommodated on the court roll.
He remains in custody following his arrest at OR Tambo International Airport in a separate case linked to his alleged failure to appear before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
The postponement means Suliman will have to wait another week before his bail application in the Absa vehicle case can be heard.
Carrim’s Bail Application Postponed in Absa Vehicle Case
North West businessman Suliman Carrim, 49, appeared briefly before the Musina Magistrate’s Court on Thursday in connection with the alleged attempted theft of two vehicles belonging to Absa Bank.
Carrim faces charges linked to an alleged scheme to move the vehicles across the border using fraudulent documentation.
According to the allegations, Carrim colluded with his employees to take the vehicles out of South Africa without the required bank authorisation.
The vehicles were intercepted at the Beitbridge Border Post on 22 July 2026 while allegedly being transported from Mahikeng towards the border for onward travel to Malawi. The vehicles were still under finance and have since been returned to Absa.
Two other accused, identified as Mike Phiri Mussa, 41, and Ibrahim Zakes, 36, were arrested in connection with the case. They allegedly attempted to cross into Zimbabwe with the vehicles.
Carrim was added to the two existing cases on 21 October and remains in custody following his arrest at OR Tambo International Airport in a separate matter linked to his alleged failure to appear before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
His bail application in the Musina case was postponed to 30 October 2026 after the court could not accommodate the matter on Thursday’s roll.
Meanwhile, the case against Mussa and Zakes is scheduled to continue in the Musina Regional Court on 27 October 2026.
Carrim’s bail proceedings in the separate Madlanga Commission matter are scheduled to resume in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on 28 October.
The allegations against all the accused have yet to be determined by the courts.
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) October 23, 2026
Also see: Madlanga commissioner Sandile Khumalo targeted in alleged threats
What is the Absa vehicle case about?
Suliman faces charges linked to the alleged attempted removal of two vehicles from South Africa without the bank’s authorisation.
According to the allegations, Suliman colluded with his employees in a scheme to move the vehicles across the border using fraudulent documentation.
The vehicles, which were still under finance, were intercepted at the Beitbridge Border Post on 22 July 2026. They were allegedly being transported from Mahikeng towards the border for onward travel to Malawi.
The vehicles have since been returned to Absa.
Two other accused, Mike Phiri Mussa, 41, and Ibrahim Zakes, 36, were arrested in connection with the case. They allegedly attempted to cross into Zimbabwe with the vehicles.
Suliman was added to the two existing cases on 21 October 2026.
Why was the bail application postponed?
Suliman’s legal team had argued that the bail application should proceed, maintaining that he had a constitutional right to apply for bail at his first appearance in the case.
However, the court’s congested roll and logistical challenges prevented the matter from proceeding as planned. Suliman’s legal representatives ultimately agreed to the postponement, with arrangements for his return to Pretoria also cited as a factor, reported TimesLIVE.
Suliman Carrim’s separate Madlanga Commission case
According to EWN, the businessman’s appearance in Musina comes amid a separate legal matter involving his alleged failure to appear before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
Suliman was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport on 15 October 2026 while preparing to travel abroad. He was subsequently charged in connection with his alleged failure to comply with the commission’s requirements.
His bail proceedings in that matter are scheduled to resume in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on 28 October 2026. The State has opposed his release, raising concerns that he could evade trial, while the case remains before the court.
What happens next?
Suliman’s formal bail application in the Absa vehicle case is scheduled for 30 October 2026. Meanwhile, the case against his co-accused, Mussa and Zakes, is scheduled to continue in the Musina Regional Court on 27 October 2026.
Featured image: Gallo Images/Frennie Shivhambu
Also see: Madlanga hearings restart following witness postponement and safety fears
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