The @Goolammv account was described as a “sock puppet” and spent years attacking and discrediting journalists, politicians, businesspeople and public figures.
The man behind the infamous @Goolammv X account, Goolam Mohammed Suliman Vawda, has been found dead in a Johannesburg Hotel.
Authorities are investigating the circumstances of his death but sources close to the inquiry told The Star that earlier this week, Vawda had been served court papers relating to charges of fraud, cyberbullying, hate speech, and publishing defamatory content targeting politicians, media figures, and others to his 151,000 followers.
Vawda, who was unmasked in 2024 by Independent Media, was accused of being a tenderpreneur and political influencer with links to high-ranking ANC officials and a history of shifting political allegiances.
His social media activity has been described as a “sock puppet” operation, and used to manipulate political narratives, whether switching support from former President Jacob Zuma to Cyril Ramaphosa, or later aligning with the DA/ANC Government of National Unity (GNU).
Investigations revealed Vawda had access to sensitive government information, including ministerial appointments, and was allegedly amplified by a bot network. Reports also linked him to fraudulent tender activities.
Vawda’s was a notorious figure whose bio on X reads: “If my tweets piss you off, I am not sorry, I speak the truth. The axis of evil: Julius Malema, Jacob Zuma, Duduzile Zuma”. No doubt, the media will keep a close eye on this developing story.
