Cocaine And Alcohol Allegedly Found In Sandton Hotel Room Where Goolam Vawda Died

Alcohol bottles and suspected drugs were allegedly discovered in a Sandton hotel room where the body of controversial social media figure Goolam Mohammed Suliman Vawda was found.

Vawda’s body was discovered on January 27 in a luxury hotel room in Sandton, prompting police to open an inquest into the circumstances surrounding his death.

Confirming the case, police said an inquest docket was registered “after a 50-year-old man was found dead in his hotel room in Sandton”. The cause of death has not yet been established and investigations are continuing.

Cocaine and Alcohol Allegedly Under Police Scrutiny

New information has since emerged, with investigators reportedly examining whether cocaine and alcohol may have played a role in Vawda’s death. Sources close to the investigation claim traces of drugs and alcohol were found inside the upmarket apartment where his body was discovered.

The same sources allege that alcohol bottles and drug paraphernalia were recovered from the scene.

Hotel guests are said to have complained over the weekend about loud noises and unusual behaviour coming from the room. Further disturbances were allegedly heard on Monday evening, after which the room reportedly fell silent.

Asked to respond to these claims, Gauteng police spokesperson Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said the matter remains under investigation and declined to provide further details.

Social Media Controversies and Financial Links Investigated

Vawda is believed to have operated the controversial X (formerly Twitter) account @goolamv, which critics accused of spreading hate speech, cyberbullying and defamatory content aimed at politicians and private individuals. His last post on the platform was reportedly on January 18, 2026.

He was found dead in a luxury suite allegedly paid for by a communications company, with authorities now also examining his accommodation expenses. Sources claim investigators are following a financial trail as part of a wider probe.

According to insiders, Vawda was in regular contact with individuals linked to both the ANC and the DA, as well as senior government officials. While police have not publicly confirmed the nature of these communications, his mobile phone and encrypted messaging platforms, including WhatsApp, are reportedly being analysed by investigators.

Legal Troubles Before Goolam Vawda’s Death

Vawda’s death occurred just days after he was allegedly served with multiple court papers relating to claims of fraud, cyberbullying, hate speech and defamation.

Complaints were reportedly lodged by politicians, media figures and private citizens who said they were targeted by his posts on X, which some critics described as coordinated political disinformation campaigns.

Those who laid complaints against him include former minister Lindiwe Sisulu and a senior journalist. Sisulu filed a criminal case in July 2024, alleging cyberbullying and defamation.

She previously stated that Vawda launched “unjustified and highly inflammatory” attacks based on false information intended to damage her reputation.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Senona Admits Advising ‘Cat’ Matlala To Challenge SAPS After R360 Million Contract Was Cancelled

Sources further allege that several specialist teams, including digital forensic experts, are now involved in the investigation.

Vawda was also accused of running smear campaigns against high-profile figures such as former president Jacob Zuma and his daughter Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, EFF leader Julius Malema and Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi.

Despite these attacks, he was also accused of using his account to promote the current administration, particularly President Cyril Ramaphosa and ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula.

Many social media users labelled him a “propaganda machine” or “sock puppet”, claiming he used sensitive information to discredit journalists and political opponents.

---

For More, Follow SurgeZirc SA On Facebook, X,  Instagram and Bluesky