A senior policeman accused a drug cartel of infiltrating South Africa's criminal justice system, politics, and private security in 2025. This accusation noted significant concerns about the widespread reach of organized crime within the country's foundational structures. In July 2025, senior policeman Nhlanhla Mkhwanzi further alleged that a specific drug cartel maintained its headquarters in Gauteng. Mkhwanzi's accusations, made publicly, showed growing fears regarding the integrity of state operations and the safety of citizens. The claims from a high-ranking official like Mkhwanzi brought into sharp focus the alarming extent to which criminal enterprises might have compromised various facets of South African society.
The alleged infiltration extends to various sectors, raising serious questions about the integrity of state institutions and private operations. This includes not only the criminal justice system and politics but also the critical private security industry, which plays a vital role in public safety. Separately, Jothan Msibi, a prominent figure in the taxi industry who died a few years ago, was also accused of being a member of the "Big Five" cartel. These accusations, linking a known public figure to a major criminal organization, suggest a long-standing and deeply embedded presence of drug cartels within key areas of South African society. The implications of such widespread infiltration are profound, potentially undermining public trust and the rule of law.
Apartheid's Shadowy Legacy
The current crisis has been decades in the making, with roots tracing back to the apartheid era. During this period, the apartheid government itself engaged in illicit activities, manufacturing drugs, including Mandrax. These substances were reportedly planned for use on Black and brown communities as a form of “crowd control,” indicating an early, state-sanctioned involvement in drug production and its weaponization against specific populations. This historical context provides a chilling backdrop to the current challenges.
Vijaygiri Anandgiri Goswami, known as Vicky Goswami, became a significant figure in the illicit drug trade, suspected of Mandrax trafficking in South Africa. His activities spanned international borders, drawing the attention of law enforcement agencies globally. Goswami was arrested in Dubai in 1997 for Mandrax crimes and subsequently convicted, serving a significant period in prison. He was released from a Dubai prison in 2012, after which he relocated to Kenya, signaling a continuation of his involvement in the drug trade from a new base of operations.
In Kenya, Goswami quickly re-established himself, partnering with notorious figures Baktash and Ibrahim Akasha. Their collective ambition was clear: to dominate South Africa’s drug trade, leveraging their networks and resources. During the period between approximately 2012 and 2016, Goswami and the Akashas allegedly orchestrated killings within South Africa, demonstrating the brutal methods employed to assert control over the lucrative drug market. These violent acts further destabilized communities and deepened the entrenchment of organized crime. Their global reach and alleged criminal activities eventually led to their apprehension. In 2017, Goswami and the Akashas were extradited to the United States to face charges related to drug trafficking and other offenses. During legal proceedings, Goswami made a revealing statement, asserting his connections: "I know a number of ANC members. Remember, I contributed to the ANC when I was in Zambia." This claim hinted at political ties that could have provided protection or facilitated his illicit operations, further complicating the narrative of drug cartel infiltration.
Modern Cartels Emerge
The Big Five cartel, reportedly headquartered in Gauteng, operates with established hubs that include the Western Cape, indicating a sophisticated and geographically expansive network. This cartel is not merely a localized group but a significant force in the national drug landscape. Its presence across multiple provinces suggests a well-organized structure capable of coordinating illicit activities over vast distances. Ernest Solomon, also known as Ernie Lastig, was suspected of leading the Terrible Josters gang, a prominent criminal organization, and was allegedly deeply involved in South Africa’s Mandrax trade. Solomon’s operations were primarily based in the Western Cape, a key hub for the Big Five cartel, illustrating the interconnectedness of various criminal groups within the broader drug ecosystem. The violent nature of this trade was starkly noted when, in November 2020, Ernest Solomon was fatally shot in Gauteng, a clear indication of the ruthless power struggles inherent in the illicit drug underworld.
The Author's Investigation
Police officers identified the cartel at the center of these accusations as the Big Five, showing its prominence and the serious threat it poses. This identification by law enforcement validates the existence and influence of such a powerful criminal entity. Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, accused of being a member of the Big Five cartel, pleaded guilty to some charges in mid-2026 and faces others, indicating ongoing legal efforts to dismantle the cartel’s operations. Matlala is based in Gauteng, similar to Jothan Msibi, who was also based in Gauteng, further emphasizing the province's role as a central operational base for the Big Five. The geographical concentration of key figures in Gauteng reinforces the senior policeman's earlier allegations about the cartel's headquarters.
Caryn Dolley, an investigative journalist, has extensively documented these intricate criminal networks. Her book, 'The Untouchables: Drug Lords, Dirty Cops, and South Africa’s Darkest Secrets', traces individuals, relationships, criminal networks, and political shifts that have shaped South Africa’s illicit drug trade. Dolley's careful work provides invaluable insight, examining how these elements have contributed to the current state of cartel infiltration, offering a full look at the historical and contemporary forces at play. Her investigation delves into the complex interplay between organized crime, law enforcement, and political figures, revealing the deep-seated challenges facing the nation.
Broader Implications and Future
The alleged infiltration of South Africa's criminal justice system, politics, and private security by drug cartels signals a significant challenge to the nation's governance and stability. This widespread corruption threatens the very foundations of democratic institutions and public safety. The activities of groups like the Big Five cartel, reportedly headquartered in Gauteng, and its connections to individuals such as Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and the late Jothan Msibi, show the depth and complexity of this issue. These connections highlight how criminal enterprises can embed themselves within various layers of society, from street-level operations to more influential sectors.
Investigations, including those meticulously conducted by Caryn Dolley, highlight how historical figures like Vijaygiri Anandgiri Goswami and the Akasha brothers shaped the illicit drug trade, establishing precedents and networks that continue to impact the present. Their legacy of violence and sophisticated trafficking operations has left an indelible mark on the South African criminal landscape. This complex web of influence, extending from the Western Cape, a key operational hub, to Gauteng, the alleged headquarters, indicates a widespread and entrenched problem that impacts public safety and institutional integrity across the country. Addressing this multi-faceted crisis will require sustained efforts to strengthen law enforcement, combat corruption, and ensure accountability at all levels of government and society. The ongoing struggle against these powerful cartels represents a critical battle for the future of South Africa.
