Carrim stays in custody as bail ruling set for October 28

Suliman Carrim will remain in custody after the Pretoria Magistrates Court postponed his bail application to October 28, 2026. The state opposes his release, arguing that he may fail to return to court; his defence has asked that he be released on bail, potentially with conditions. The court’s decision is pending. The postponement, announced on October 19, gives the state time to submit a transcript of an interview Carrim gave after his arrest at OR Tambo International Airport. He was arrested on October 16, shortly before he was due to travel overseas. The case against him concerns his alleged failure to return to the Madlanga Commission to continue his testimony. Carrim faces a charge related to his failure to appear before the inquiry, which had directed him to testify. Prosecutors say Carrim’s missed appearances and planned trip raise concerns that he could evade proceedings. They also questioned whether his health prevented him from testifying at the commission, noting that he had described health problems while planning a lengthy overseas journey. The state has argued that his account and conduct give it reason to oppose bail. These are prosecution arguments, not...