Maverick 451, the publishing division of Daily Maverick, is set to release a new book by Caryn Dolley titled "The Untouchables: Drug Lords, Dirty Cops, and South Africa’s Darkest Secrets" on August 15, 2026. The book delves into the alleged connections between South African politicians, police officers, and drug kingpins, offering a full look at the illicit drug trade's deep roots within the country. Dolley stated that "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." The forthcoming publication from Maverick 451 promises to shed light on these widespread issues.
Book's Content and Claims
Caryn Dolley's book, "The Untouchables: Drug Lords, Dirty Cops, and South Africa’s Darkest Secrets," details a drug trafficking network that has been active in South Africa since before the country's democratic transition. This extensive network, as described in the book, is not confined to South Africa's borders but extends internationally, reaching into India, Dubai, Kenya, Zambia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. This alleged long-standing operation shows the deep entrenchment of illicit drug activities within and beyond South Africa's borders, noting the global reach of these criminal enterprises. The book's claims suggest a sophisticated and enduring structure behind the drug trade.
The book reportedly frames the Guptas, a family central to state capture allegations in South Africa, as a single chapter within a much broader narrative. According to the book's claims, the cartel and its operations constitute the primary focus, indicating that the Guptas' involvement is presented as one component of a larger, more enduring criminal enterprise. This approach suggests an attempt to contextualize their activities within a long-standing and extensive network of drug trafficking and political corruption, rather than viewing them as an isolated phenomenon. The narrative posits that the reach of these drug networks far predates and extends beyond the scope of the state capture allegations typically associated with the Guptas.
Author's Extensive Research
Caryn Dolley’s extensive research for "The Untouchables" traces the network's origins from apartheid-era Mandrax laboratories, through the liberation Struggle, and into democratic South Africa’s courts, Parliament, and police stations. This historical sweep provides a key context for understanding the evolution and persistence of these criminal structures. Dolley has documented the networks central to these events for more than 20 years, demonstrating a sustained commitment to uncovering the truth behind these illicit operations. "The Untouchables" is Dolley's fifth book on related subjects, building upon her previous work and expertise in investigating organised crime and corruption in South Africa. Her long-standing focus on these topics lends significant weight to the revelations contained within her latest publication.
Dolley’s research methodology involved careful investigation into the intricate connections between various illicit actors and state institutions. Her deep dive into the history of drug trafficking reveals how these networks adapted and thrived through significant political shifts, embedding themselves within the fabric of society. The author's dedication to this complex subject matter over two decades has allowed for a unique perspective on the interplay between crime and power in the country. Dolley reiterated her concern, stating, "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," showing the deliberate and sustained nature of this corruption.
Context and Related Developments
The book posits that narco money and networks were integral to post-apartheid state capture, suggesting a reframing of the established State Capture narrative. This interpretation links illicit drug finances directly to the mechanisms of political and economic subversion within the country, arguing that these criminal proceeds played a foundational role in corrupting state institutions. This perspective challenges conventional understandings by asserting that the influence of drug networks was not merely peripheral but central to the broader capture of the state.
Separately, more than R300-million in cocaine has reportedly disappeared from state custody, noting ongoing challenges within law enforcement and raising serious questions about the integrity of the justice system. This significant loss of evidence shows the vulnerability of official channels to infiltration and corruption, a theme central to Dolley's work. The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, tasked with investigating various matters, is preparing to conclude its hearings and finalize its findings later in the year, potentially shedding more light on systemic issues within the state. In a related development, KwaZulu-Natal police boss Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi formally acknowledged the infiltration of organized crime within police structures in July 2025. This admission from a high-ranking official provides official corroboration of the widespread problem Dolley’s book seeks to expose, lending further credence to the urgent need for a deeper understanding of these criminal networks. The confluence of these events suggests a critical juncture for addressing deep-seated corruption in South Africa.
Launch Events and Details
The book, titled "The Untouchables: Drug Lords, Dirty Cops, and South Africa’s Darkest Secrets," is scheduled for release on August 17, 2026. This highly anticipated publication will provide readers with an in-depth look at the complex world of drug trafficking and its links to power in South Africa. It will retail at a recommended price of R340, making it accessible to a wide audience interested in the critical issues it addresses. The book carries the ISBN 978-1-0483-0541-8, with an E-ISBN of 978-1-0483-2035-0, facilitating its distribution and availability across various platforms.
An "Exclusive First Look" webinar featuring Caryn Dolley, Conrad Koch, and Chester Missing is set for July 22, 2026, offering an early opportunity for engagement with the author and discussion of the book's themes. Official launch events will follow the book's release, providing further opportunities for public discourse and interaction. A launch event is scheduled for August 19, 2026, in Cape Town at The Watershed, V&A Waterfront, where Caryn Dolley will be in conversation with Marianne Thamm, a prominent journalist. The following day, August 20, 2026, a launch event will take place in Gqeberha at Exclusive Books, Walmer Park, with Dolley engaging in a discussion with Estelle Ellis, another respected voice in South African media. Johannesburg will host a launch event on August 25, 2026, at Exclusive Books, Rosebank, featuring Caryn Dolley in conversation with Ferial Haffajee, a well-known editor and commentator. These events are expected to draw significant attention and foster important conversations about the book's explosive revelations.
