Award-winning investigative journalist Caryn Dolley, based in South Africa, is set to release her fifth book, The Untouchables: Drug Lords, Dirty Cops, and South Africa’s Darkest Secrets, on August 17, 2026. Dolley, an acclaimed investigative journalist based in South Africa, has a distinguished career marked by her deep dives into the country's criminal underworld. The book, published by Maverick 451, the publishing division of Daily Maverick, is currently available for pre-order exclusively from Daily Maverick, with shipping also commencing on August 17, 2026. This highly anticipated work follows Dolley's four previously published books: The Enforcers, To the Wolves, Clash of the Cartels, and Man Alone, solidifying her reputation as a leading voice in South African investigative journalism.
Dolley stated, "South Africa is in serious trouble because certain politicians and police officers don’t seem to have a problem colluding with and profiting from drug kingpins – choosing fast, illegal money over honest work." She added that this "moral erosion explains how the illicit drug scene in post-apartheid South Africa didn’t just develop into what it is today: a wild, salivating beast. Colluders have reared it, fed it, trained it. They still do." These strong statements show the critical nature of the revelations contained within The Untouchables.
Unpacking the Criminal State
Caryn Dolley's new book, The Untouchables, reportedly traces the drug trafficking network's origins from apartheid-era Mandrax laboratories through the liberation Struggle and into democratic South Africa’s courts, Parliament, and police stations. This full historical tracing notes the deep roots and widespread nature of the problem. The investigation maps what Dolley describes as the architecture of a criminal state operating openly, a state that has been hiding in plain sight for decades. It argues that narco money and established narco networks were integral to the connective tissue of post-apartheid capture throughout its duration, suggesting a fundamental corruption woven into the fabric of the nation's governance.
According to the book, the cartel links street-level gang activity to the highest levels of power in South Africa, illustrating a complex web of influence that extends across various societal strata. The book covers alleged cartel members, accused police officers, indicted politicians, and enablers operating across the private sector and security industry, painting a grim picture of systemic complicity. Dolley suggests that the Guptas represent just one chapter in a more extensive narrative of corruption and criminal influence, implying that the issues explored in her book are far broader and more deeply entrenched than previously understood. The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry is preparing to conclude its hearings later this year, further showing the ongoing scrutiny of systemic issues within the country's governance, issues that Dolley's book is poised to illuminate further.
Decades of Documenting Networks
Caryn Dolley has documented the networks at the centre of South Africa's drug trade and corruption for more than 20 years, dedicating a significant portion of her career to uncovering these hidden truths. Her extensive experience provides a strong foundation for the claims made in The Untouchables. In July 2025, KwaZulu-Natal police boss Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi officially acknowledged the infiltration of organised crime within the police force, a stark admission that corroborates the widespread nature of the corruption Dolley has been investigating. The book details how a suspended national police commissioner faces criminal charges, and a police minister has been sidelined due to alleged cartel connections, showcasing the high-level implications of these criminal networks. The Untouchables also notes that more than R300-million in cocaine has disappeared from state custody, a staggering figure that points to profound failures in law enforcement and accountability.
Dolley’s investigation identifies figures who, despite their alleged involvement, have never faced prosecution, a central theme of the book that challenges the notion of justice in South Africa. She states again, emphasizing the gravity of the situation, "South Africa is in serious trouble because certain politicians and police officers don’t seem to have a problem colluding with and profiting from drug kingpins – choosing fast, illegal money over honest work." Dolley further explains that this "moral erosion explains how the illicit drug scene in post-apartheid South Africa didn’t just develop into what it is today: a wild, salivating beast. Colluders have reared it, fed it, trained it. They still do," showing the active and ongoing nature of this corruption. The book is scheduled for publication on August 15, 2026, marking a significant moment for public discourse on these critical issues.
Launch and Availability
The Untouchables: Drug Lords, Dirty Cops, and South Africa’s Darkest Secrets will be available in a softcover format, approximately 300 pages in length and measuring 235mm x 155mm. This physical presentation ensures a substantial read for those delving into its contents. The book's recommended retail price is R340, making it accessible to a wide audience interested in understanding the complexities of South Africa's criminal underworld. Its ISBN is listed as 978-1-0483-0541-8 and its E-ISBN as 978-1-0483-2035-0, facilitating its identification and distribution globally. Southern Africa distribution for the book will be handled by Protea Distribution, ensuring widespread availability across the region.
A series of launch events are scheduled for the book, providing opportunities for engagement with the author and prominent figures. These events commence with a webinar on July 22, 2026, featuring an exclusive first look with author Caryn Dolley, alongside Conrad Koch and Chester Missing, offering an early insight into the book's themes and revelations. Following this, an official launch event will take place in Cape Town on August 19, 2026, where Dolley will be joined by Marianne Thamm for a discussion likely to delve into the book's most impactful findings. A subsequent event is planned for Gqeberha on August 20, 2026, featuring Dolley and Estelle Ellis, continuing the conversation in another key South African city. The launch series concludes with an event in Johannesburg on August 25, 2026, featuring Caryn Dolley and Ferial Haffajee, promising a strong and insightful dialogue on the book's critical subject matter.
Dolley stated, reiterating her core message and the urgency of her findings, "South Africa is in serious trouble because certain politicians and police officers don’t seem to have a problem colluding with and profiting from drug kingpins – choosing fast, illegal money over honest work." She added, "This moral erosion explains how the illicit drug scene in post-apartheid South Africa didn’t just develop into what it is today: a wild, salivating beast. Colluders have reared it, fed it, trained it. They still do," emphasizing the ongoing and active role of complicit individuals in perpetuating this criminal ecosystem.
