North West businessman and former ANC regional treasurer Suliman Carrim is expected to appear in the Musina Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 22 October 2026, in connection with an alleged scheme to move two vehicles belonging to Absa across the border using fraudulent documents.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Limpopo, Carrim faces charges of attempted theft and money laundering over allegations that he colluded with employees to unlawfully move the vehicles, which remained under finance agreements.
The case follows the interception of two suspects at the Beitbridge Border Post in July, when they were allegedly attempting to transport the vehicles into Zimbabwe.
How the alleged Absa vehicle scheme was uncovered
The incident dates back to 22 July 2026, when police intercepted two suspects at Beitbridge while they were allegedly trying to take the vehicles across the border.
The vehicles had reportedly been transported from Mahikeng in North West and were destined for Malawi.
Investigators allegedly discovered that fraudulent bank authorisation documents had been used to facilitate their movement. The vehicles were still subject to finance agreements with Absa.
Both vehicles have since been returned to the bank, according to the NPA.
The two suspects arrested at the border remain in custody and are expected to appear in the Musina Regional Court on 27 October 2026.
Carrim arrested at OR Tambo International Airport
Carrim was arrested on 15 October at OR Tambo International Airport while preparing to board a flight to Dubai.
His arrest in the vehicle-related matter comes as he faces separate charges linked to his alleged failure to appear before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
He is also reportedly under investigation by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) over multimillion-rand transport contracts in North West.
These matters are separate from the allegations involving the two Absa-financed vehicles.
Investigations into alleged fraud continue
The NPA said investigations into the alleged vehicle theft and the use of fraudulent documents are ongoing.
The case centres on allegations that bank authorisation documents were falsified to facilitate the movement of financed vehicles across an international border.
Although the vehicles have been returned to Absa, the criminal proceedings will determine the allegations against Carrim and the other suspects.
The allegations remain unproven, and the accused are entitled to the presumption of innocence unless found guilty by a court.
