Johannesburg – A 50-year-old man believed to be Goolam Mohammed Suliman Vawda, the controversial operator behind the political X account @Goolamv, was found dead in his hotel room in Sandton on 27 January 2026, Gauteng police have confirmed.
Police have opened an inquest docket and are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death, with the cause yet to be determined pending post-mortem results.
Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed the discovery, saying: “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.”
She added that the cause of death remains unknown at this stage as investigators await post-mortem findings and continue their enquiries.
Vawda was a polarising figure in South Africa’s political social media landscape and was widely known for his provocative online commentary. His last post on X was on 18 January 2026.
His online presence was marked by repeated allegations of hate speech, cyberbullying and defamatory statements directed at politicians, journalists and other public figures.
In July 2024, former minister Lindiwe Sisulu laid a criminal complaint against Vawda, accusing him of making “unjustified and highly inflammatory” attacks that she said were intended to damage her reputation.
In the weeks leading up to his death, Vawda had reportedly been served with court papers relating to charges of fraud, cyberbullying, hate speech and the publication of defamatory content targeting a range of individuals, including political leaders and media personalities.
According to sources cited by The Star, these legal proceedings were under way just days before his death.
Reaction to the news has been mixed.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, who was frequently targeted by Vawda’s online commentary, acknowledged the news publicly and offered condolences. “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 wrote on social media.
You may have insulted me and used your handle as a propaganda weapon I will not stoop low. May your family be consoled. #RIPGoolam pic.twitter.com/vf6ayASomP
— Panyaza Lesufi (@Lesufi) January 27, 2026
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Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
