* The vehicles, belonging to ABSA Group, were being taking them out of the country using fraudulent documentation
* ABSA Group is a major African financial services conglomerate headquartered in Johannesburg — and listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange
By Duncan Mlanjira
South African businessman Suliman Carrim is in court facing charges of alleged vehicle theft belonging to that country’s ABSA Group Limited that were destined for Malawi.
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He also faces alleged money laundering charges being heard in Musina court, the city for Beit Bridge Border, the exit point into Zimbabwe where the cars were intercepted.
A report by online news publication, IOL, quotes National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirming that the
The North West businessman was in the Musina Magistrate’s Court today on charges of the attempted theft of the vehicles belonging to ABSA, which is a major African financial services conglomerate headquartered in Johannesburg — and listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.
The NPA indicated in a statement that Carrim, “acting in collusion with his employees, attempted to steal two vehicles belonging to ABSA by taking them out of the country using fraudulent documentation.”
“The charges stem from an incident on July 22, 2026, when police members stationed at the Beitbridge border post in Musina intercepted two motor vehicles allegedly destined for Malawi.
“According to police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, two suspects were arrested and charged in connection with the incident.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the vehicles were allegedly being transported from Mahikeng in the North West towards the Beitbridge border post for onward transportation across the border.
“Police said arrangements had allegedly been made to obtain bank authorisation documents to facilitate the lawful cross-border movement of the vehicles.
“However, the required authorisation was allegedly not provided, and fraudulent bank documents were subsequently arranged.”
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IOL further reports that “circumstances surrounding the alleged use of fraudulent documentation and the intended movement of the vehicles across the border form part of the ongoing investigation”.
“The two vehicles, which were still under finance, were handed over to the bank.”
The drivers of the vehicles, whose nationalities were not identified, are reported to be in custody after being arrested while allegedly attempting to cross into Zimbabwe through the Beitbridge border post expected to appear before the Musina Regional Court on October 27.
Carrim’s expected appearance in court today follows his addition to the two existing cases, which include his arrest at OR Tambo International Airport on October 15.
“The businessman was arrested while preparing to travel abroad and subsequently appeared before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court in connection with his alleged failure to appear before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
“His arrest also followed an investigation into allegations of fraud and corruption relating to the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality in the North West.
“During his bail proceedings, the State raised concerns about his travel arrangements, arguing that he posed a flight risk. His legal team disputed the suggestion that he intended to flee the country.
“His bail proceedings were postponed to October 28, with Carrim remaining in custody pending the outcome of the application,” reported IOL.
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