PRETORIA - The ruling on the bail application of controversial North West businessman Suliman Carrim is expected on 28 October. He will remain in custody until then.
Carrim appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Monday, facing a charge of contempt of the Madlanga Commission after allegedly failing to appear before the inquiry despite being subpoenaed.
The State is opposing his release on bail, arguing that he could evade trial or commit further offences if released.
Carrim spent the weekend in custody at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre after being arrested at OR Tambo International Airport on Thursday night, shortly before he was due to board a flight to the United Arab Emirates.
His legal team is seeking his release on bail. During his previous court appearance, Carrim told the court that he had been travelling abroad for spiritual purposes and intended to return to South Africa.
Prosecutor Donald Shiko argued that Carrim had failed to appear before the commission when he was not in custody, suggesting that he had no intention of returning to continue his testimony.
“It is with the greatest respect that the State submits that there is a plain likelihood that the applicant will evade trial. And as such, the State submits that bail should be denied and the applicant be remitted back into custody until the finalisation of the proceedings,” Shiko told the court.
READ MORE | 'He has a heart condition' - Carrim lawyer tells the court
Although the State verified Carrim’s residential address and confirmed the authenticity of his return ticket, it maintained its opposition to his release.
“The State can confirm that the address of the accused person was confirmed to be positive and also the ticket that was handed up on Friday, which suggested a return date for the applicant in this matter, was verified to be authentic. I have also informed my colleagues further that, as much as such were confirmed to be positive, the State is still opposing the release of the accused,” Shiko said.