North West businessman Suliman Carrim arrested at OR Tambo International Airport while preparing to travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with his family had a return flight ticket, according to police.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said investigators had not established evidence that Carrim was attempting to flee South Africa, despite speculation following his arrest on Thursday night, 15 October 2026.
“At this stage, we do not have such information and evidence. What we do know is that he had a return ticket. He was flying out of the country with his family,” Mathe said.
Carrim was reportedly flagged at the airport shortly before boarding an international flight. Investigators were alerted, and he was handcuffed in connection with an outstanding matter linked to his alleged failure to appear before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
Police clarify circumstances surrounding arrest
The arrest prompted speculation that Carrim was attempting to leave South Africa to avoid appearing before the commission. However, Mathe stressed that investigators did not have evidence to support that conclusion.
The existence of a return ticket is a key detail in the case, although it does not, on its own, determine the reasons for the trip or resolve the outstanding matter involving the commission.
Police said the arrest was connected to the investigation into his failure to appear before the inquiry.
“The broader goal is to ensure that those who have been mentioned at the Madlanga Commission, and those who have been subpoenaed, do present themselves to the commission to answer to all that they’re facing,” Mathe said.
