Suliman Carrim’s lawyer has argued that his client should be granted bail, telling the court that he suffers from a heart condition and anxiety and could experience a panic attack if he remains in custody.
Carrim appeared in court on Friday as the State sought a postponement of his bail application, saying it needed more time to verify his residential addresses.
The State also raised questions about the circumstances surrounding Carrim’s arrest at OR Tambo International Airport, including the amount of luggage he was carrying when he was detained.
His lawyer, however, maintained that Carrim had a return ticket and was travelling with his wife on a religious journey to Pakistan, with a stopover in Dubai.
In arguing for his release on bail, the defence cited Carrim’s reported heart condition and anxiety, warning that remaining in custody could trigger a panic attack.
The State’s request for a postponement comes as prosecutors seek to complete the necessary checks before the bail application proceeds.
Carrim was arrested in connection with allegations that he failed to appear before the Madlanga Commission after being summoned in relation to its investigations.
