Police Probe After Man Believed To Be Online Firebrand Goolam Vawda Found Dead In Hotel Room

Police have launched an inquest into the death of a man believed to be Goolam Mohammed Suliman Vawda, a polarising social media figure notorious for incendiary posts targeting South African politicians.

The 50-year-old was discovered unresponsive in his Sandton hotel room on the morning of January 27, 2026. While authorities have not formally named the deceased, multiple sources have identified him as Vawda.

Police Open Inquest After Man Found Dead in Sandton Hotel

Confirming the incident, Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said an inquest docket had been registered after the body was discovered.

“The police have opened an inquest docket after a 50-year-old man was found dead in his hotel room in Sandton on the morning of 27 January 2026,” Nevhuhulwi said.

She added that the cause of death remains undetermined pending the outcome of a post-mortem examination, and confirmed that investigations are ongoing.

Although police have not officially confirmed the identity of the deceased, sources close to the case insist it was Vawda.

Legal Storm Followed Controversial Online Attacks

Vawda was widely believed to be behind the X (formerly Twitter) account @goolamv, a handle linked to repeated attacks on political leaders and private individuals. His posts often included allegations of corruption, hate speech and cyberbullying.

His last activity on the platform was recorded on January 18, 2026.

Several criminal complaints had been laid against him, including by former minister Lindiwe Sisulu and a senior journalist. Sisulu opened a case in July 2024, accusing Vawda of cyberbullying and defamation.

She alleged that he launched “unjustified and highly inflammatory” attacks against her, labelling her “pro-corruption” and “pro-state capture”.

Vawda claimed that a potential Sisulu leadership victory within the ANC would result in jailed individuals being released and corruption investigations being halted, including the disbandment of the Investigating Directorate (ID).

He framed his online commentary as support for President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Renew22 campaign, calling on South Africans to rally behind Ramaphosa. He also accused a journalist, known to Independent Media, of being paid to publish fake news.

Source Claims Police Knew Vawda Was Ill Before His Death

A source who also opened a defamation case against Vawda said police had previously indicated that he was unwell.

According to the source, police contacted him for a witness statement and mentioned that Vawda had failed to cooperate due to illness.

“He was sick and promised the police that he would get back to them. The police called him again last week, and he told them that he was still sick.

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“And the last time they spoke to me was today and they told me that they were going to check if he stays there, and 15 minutes later, they called and said there was a person dead in that room and the hotel has called paramedics to certify him dead,” the source said.

Beyond Sisulu, Vawda frequently targeted figures such as former president Jacob Zuma, Duduzile Zuma, Julius Malema and Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, while publicly defending members of the current administration, including Ramaphosa and ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula.

Reacting to the news, Lesufi offered condolences despite past attacks.

“You may have insulted me and used your handle as a propaganda weapon, but I will not stoop low. May your family be consoled,” he said.

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