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Police add businessman Suliman Carrim to vehicle smuggling cases

Published Last updated

Police confirmed that a North West businessman has been added as an accused in two cases of attempted vehicle theft, fraud and uttering. Reports name him as Suliman Carrim, who was arrested on 15 October.

National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the cases come from an incident on 22 July 2026. Police at the Beitbridge border post in Musina intercepted two vehicles allegedly bound for Malawi. Mathe said the vehicles were allegedly being moved from Mahikeng towards the border.

Mathe also said arrangements were made to get bank authorisation documents. The needed authorisation was allegedly not given, and fraudulent bank documents were then arranged. Police did not name the businessman.

A source said Carrim would face two counts relating to alleged motor vehicle theft in the Musina magistrate's court on Thursday. Police arrested him at OR Tambo International Airport as he tried to board an international flight. His bail application was postponed to 28 October, and he is in custody.

Two suspects are expected to appear before the Musina regional court on 27 October.

Key facts

Who
Suliman Carrim (controversial businessman facing the additional charges); Athlenda Mathe (national police spokesperson (Brig)); Commissions Recommendations Task Team (CRTT) (police team that added the businessman as an accused); Commission's Recommendations Task Team (task team that added the businessman as an accused)
What
The SAPS said a North West businessman was charged on 21 October 2026 and added to two cases linked to a 22 July 2026 incident at the Beitbridge border post in Musina, where two vehicles allegedly destined for Malawi were intercepted. He is expected to make his first court appearance on Thursday.
When
21 October 2026
Where
Musina, OR Tambo International Airport, Beitbridge border post
Status
Reported

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