Suliman Carrim granted R100,000 bail in Madlanga Commission case

North West businessman and former African National Congress (ANC) treasurer Suliman Carrim has been granted R100,000 bail by the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court following his arrest over his alleged failure to appear before the Madlanga Commission.

Carrim faces charges of contravening the Commissions Act. He was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport while preparing to travel internationally.

In its ruling on Wednesday, the court found that the State had not presented sufficient grounds to justify keeping Carrim in custody while he awaits trial.

“Having weighed the interests of justice against the applicant's rights to personal freedom and the prejudice likely to arise from continued detention, the court finds that the identified risks can be sufficiently addressed through appropriate bail conditions,” the court ruled.

The court said it was not convinced that Carrim was likely to endanger the safety of any person or commit a Schedule 1 offence. It also found that his continued detention would not be in the interests of justice.

The State had opposed his release, arguing that he might evade his criminal trial if granted bail, particularly given his arrest at the airport while preparing for international travel.

However, the court considered factors including his verified return-flight booking and his residential and property ties when assessing the risk that he would abscond.

Prosecutors also raised concerns about Carrim’s previous failures to appear before the Madlanga Commission, where he was expected to complete his testimony. Those absences were attributed to medical reasons.

The court distinguished his previous non-attendance at the commission from the question of whether he would evade criminal proceedings, finding insufficient grounds to refuse bail.

Carrim is expected to return to court on December 8.

The case relates to allegations that he failed to comply with the commission’s summons or attendance requirements. The charge concerns the alleged contravention of the Commissions Act.

The Madlanga Commission is investigating allegations of criminality, corruption and political interference within the criminal justice system. Carrim’s bail decision concerns the allegations against him and does not determine his guilt or innocence.