North West businessman and former ANC regional treasurer Suliman Carrim is set to face additional criminal charges linked to alleged vehicle theft and attempted smuggling. The 49-year-old is expected to appear in the Musina Magistrate's Court in Limpopo on Thursday, 22 October 2026, on two counts relating to the alleged motor vehicle offences.
Fresh charges linked to Beitbridge interception
SAPS confirmed that the Commission's Recommendations Task Team has added Carrim as an accused in two cases involving attempted theft of motor vehicles, fraud and uttering. The charges stem from an incident on 22 July 2026, when police at the Beitbridge border post in Musina intercepted two motor vehicles allegedly destined for Malawi. Two other suspects were arrested and charged at the time.
Initial arrest at OR Tambo Airport
These fresh allegations arise while Carrim remains in custody after his arrest on 15 October 2026 at OR Tambo International Airport. He was detained by the Commission's Recommendations Task Team moments before boarding a flight to Dubai, with Saudi Arabia listed as hist final destination. He faces a charge of contravening the Commissions Act for repeatedly failing to appear before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
Failure to appear before Madlanga Commission
Carrim testified before the commission in March 2026 about financial dealings involving businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. He later missed scheduled appearances, citing health concerns, and refused an independent medical assessment. Commission chairperson retired Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga authorised criminal charges against him for non-compliance with subpoenas and failure to supply required documentation.
Separate fraud and corruption probe
SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that Carrim had also been flagged by the Cold Case Unit in connection with an ongoing fraud and corruption investigation involving the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality in the North West. Investigators noted he was travelling with multiple bags. The state initially described his ticket as one-way, while Carrim maintained he held a return ticket for a religious pilgrimage.
Bail application postponed
Carrim appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate's Court following his arrest. The state opposed bail on the grounds that he posed a flight risk. Judgement on his bail application has been postponed to 28 October 2026, and he remains in custody.
The additional charges in Musina represent a further escalation in the legal pressure on Carrim, whose affairs have attracted scrutiny both at the Madlanga Commission and in related police investigations.