Former Intelligence minister Lindiwe Sisulu’s criminal case against a social media activist, who allegedly abused her and other senior politicians, might be difficult to prove in court, as it might be difficult to link the suspect to the name he used on social media.

This was a warning from technology analyst Arthur Goldstuck. 

Sisulu opened a case against Goolam Mohammed Sulieman Vawda at the Roodepoort police station in Johannesburg on July 21, last year.

However, it remains unclear whether the police have been able to apprehend and bring to justice the man who goes by the handle name @Goolam on the X account. 

Gauteng police were in May unable to give an update on the investigation into the matter. 

They have not yet responded to this week’s request for an update.

It was believed that police had been unable to locate Vawda as he had evaded the law by leaving the country, although someone using the same name could still be seen posting on X.

“For a successful case, whether civil or criminal, the first and most critical step is to establish a clear, legally admissible link between the Goolam social media account and Goolam Mohammed Sulieman Vawda as an individual. 

“Without that connection, any action risks falling apart before it reaches court,” said Goldstuck, a chief executive officer at World Wide Worx.

He said that since the process of linking Vawda to the social media name appeared to have been “unfortunately” bypassed or treated too casually instead of being handled professionally and properly earlier, it might now look like a witch hunt.

He said that had forensic digital investigation been contacted to verify communications or corroborate identification, the case would have had a much stronger foundation.

“So while legal action in principle is not futile, the handling of this particular case has made it very difficult to pursue effectively. 

“This highlights a broader weakness in how online abuse cases are managed: a failure to follow rigorous digital procedures can undermine the entire process, even when the victim’s complaint is legitimate,” said Goldstuck.

In his post on X, @Goolammw tweeted: “If you are pro corruption, pro state capture and prefer South Africa collapsing, you will support Zweli Mkhize, Nkosazana Zuma and Lindiwe Sisulu.” 

He also alleged that: “Because an owner of a media house and another person that I have rightly called out have put a total of R3 million on my head, I have safely left the country.”

He said that while in his hideout, he would continue with what he was doing and come back stronger. 

“One of the first things Zweli Mkhize, NDZ (Nkosazane Dlamini-Zuma) or Lindiwe Sisulu will do if they become president is to disband the Investigating Directorate (ID). 

“Their only aim and objective is to stop the fight against corruption. 

“President Ramaphosa must be fully protected and supported #Renew22,” read Goolam’s X post.

Goldstuck cautioned that social media has become a double-edged sword in the country, as while it allows an open expression and public engagement, it was increasingly being exploited to spread false narratives and attack individuals’ reputations, “often with impunity”. 

“The abuse is not limited to isolated incidents; it’s become systemic. This behaviour is deeply serious,” said Goldstuck.

He said a single post can spark a viral campaign of misinformation that damages reputations, careers, and even personal safety. 

“The speed at which falsehoods spread far outpaces the ability to correct them, and victims are often left with little recourse. 

“It has a corrosive effect on public discourse and trust,” said Goldstuck.

He said that although politicians were mostly targeted by social media’s misinformation, this problem extends well beyond politics as business leaders, celebrities, journalists, and ordinary citizens fall victim to online smear campaigns. Women, in particular, are targeted and subjected to abuse.

“This is a societal problem, and not merely political,” said Goldstuck.

He called for oversight on social media to be improved, but warned against blanket control where the government would infringe on fundamental rights. 

“What we need is smarter regulation that holds offenders accountable without giving authorities a tool to silence legitimate criticism or dissent.” 

He said the country has the Cybercrime Act, addressing online abuse and criminalising the spread of harmful falsehoods. 

“The Protection from Harassment Act provides avenues for civil protection orders. “And traditional defamation laws still apply,” said Goldstuck.

However, he said enforcement is a major challenge as law enforcement agencies often lack resources or training to deal effectively with online threats. 

“So the gap between legal protection and practical justice remains wide,” he said.

Sisulu, who had previously promised to also launch a civil case, could not be reached to say whether or not she was still pursuing the case against Vawda.

bongani.hans@inl.co.za

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