Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Caryn Dolley
Published on 2024-03-02 19:27:21
Vicky Goswami, a notorious drug trafficker known for dealing in Mandrax, has gained different titles and reputations in various countries around the world. In Dubai, he is seen as a former prison inmate, while in the US, he is considered a state witness. In India, he is a wanted suspect, and in South Africa, he is a figure that causes anxiety for many.
Goswami’s name has become a central point of connection between allegations of State Capture in South Africa and some of the most infamous drug trafficking accused globally. Reports suggest that members of the Gupta family, who have been at the center of State Capture accusations in South Africa, were involved in money laundering on behalf of a self-proclaimed spy from Pakistan who is also accused of being a major international drug lord. There are also accusations that a suspected South African money launderer with connections to a global terrorist drug trafficker engaged in laundering money for the Guptas. Despite these claims, the Guptas have not faced charges related to these allegations.
Many political figures, including former president Jacob Zuma, have been connected to these allegations. When asked about these issues, a spokesperson for the Jacob Zuma Foundation remarked that it was like “fishing in the desert” for information. The Guptas’ lawyer did not respond to queries from Daily Maverick regarding these claims.
Goswami, also known as Mr. Mandrax, has a long history in South Africa. Originally from India, he operated in the country in the early 1990s. He has claimed to have been photographed with former South African president Nelson Mandela and has denied involvement with the South African government due to seeking protection from prosecution. However, there are suspicions that he received protection from law enforcement figures in the country.
A web of political connections extends from Goswami to Zambia, where he was present before his time in South Africa. In a 2014 article, Goswami claimed to have known ANC leaders and ministers in Zambia and contributed financially to the struggle against apartheid. There have been allegations of drug dealing by members of the ANC during apartheid, and connections to individuals involved in this illicit trade.
Goswami’s story then leads to Dubai, where he was imprisoned in 1997 for Mandrax dealings and then released in 2012. He later faced legal troubles in Kenya and was eventually extradited to the US along with other suspects, including the notorious Akasha brothers, who were involved in a global drug-dealing empire. Goswami admitted to dominating South Africa’s drug trade with the Akashas and orchestrating a murder to solidify his position in the market.
The complexity of international drug trafficking cases involving Goswami, the Akashas, and others has cast a shadow on South Africa, as these cases are being tried in the US despite being mostly focused on South Africa’s drug trade. Allegations of money laundering involving the Gupta family and other international players further complicate the situation. Despite these ongoing investigations and trials, South Africa has yet to take action against individuals like Goswami, who openly admit to their involvement in illicit activities within the country.
Overall, the intertwining narratives of drug trafficking, money laundering, and political connections paint a picture of a global network of crime that has tendrils reaching into South Africa and beyond. The full extent of these operations and their impact on the country’s political landscape are still being unraveled as investigations continue.
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