State says Sulliman Carrim was headed to Saudi Arabia when arrested at OR Tambo

North West businessman Sulliman Carrim was arrested at OR Tambo while allegedly travelling to Dubai, with the state opposing his bail.

The state reveals that the controversial North West businessman Sulliman Carrim was headed to Saudi Arabia via Dubai when he was arrested at the OR Tambo International Airport on Thursday night.

Prosecutors told the court that Carrim had a one-way ticket to Saudi Arabia without a return booking. His lawyers disputed this claim as the court considered his bail application.

Carrim was arrested by the Commission’s Recommendations Task Team over allegations that he failed to appear before the Madlanga Commission.

His arrest also follows police action linked to an investigation into alleged fraud and corruption involving the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality in North West.

His legal team is seeking bail, but the state is opposing his release. The defence argued that Carrim has a clean criminal record in support of its application.

Meanwhile, the Madlanga Commission has welcomed his arrest, saying it sends a strong message to witnesses who fail to take the inquiry seriously.