The state has opposed bail for former North West ANC treasurer Suliman Carrim, calling him a flight risk, at a hearing in the Musina Magistrate's Court on Monday 9 November. The matter was postponed to 16 November.

Carrim is accused of the illegal transport of two vehicles across the border. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and the allegations have not been tested at trial.

The allegations

The state alleges that two vehicles were intercepted at Beitbridge on 22 July, allegedly bound for Malawi. Two co-accused were arrested that day, and Carrim was added to the case on 22 October. He was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport on 15 October, and his phone was seized.

The state's case against bail

Captain Jimmy Kubayi of the Commission Recommendations Task Team told the court that Carrim did not disclose eight properties, is paying off a R30 million bond that far exceeds his declared monthly income, and holds residency in the United Arab Emirates.

Kubayi said Carrim had failed to meet a bail condition set in Pretoria, where he was granted R100 000 bail on 28 October, relating to arrangements for his next appearance before the Madlanga Commission. “This does not work well for future compliance,” Kubayi said. The defence argued that the condition was aimed at his lawyers, who wrote to the commission within 48 hours.

The defence's response

Carrim objected to WhatsApp messages that the investigating officer downloaded from his phone. “I did not consent to the downloading of my phone. No search warrant authorising that download has been shown to me,” he told the court.

He also offered to accept restrictions on his freedom to travel. “I am willing to accept a condition prohibiting all international travel without prior permission from the competent court,” he said. The defence said the investigating officer already holds his passport.

What we do not yet know

  • Whether the court will admit the messages downloaded from the phone.
  • Whether bail will be granted, and on what conditions, when the hearing resumes on 16 November.
  • How the Musina case relates to the matter before the Madlanga Commission.