Houghton-based author Goolam Suleman is celebrating a remarkable milestone after his debut book, Frontline Legends: Memoirs of the Underworld, secured two major accolades at the Multi-Marketing Book Awards.

The true crime memoir won Best Non-Fiction and the Overall Readers’ Choice Award, a moment Suleman describes as both humbling and unexpected. Suleman finds the recognition surreal.

“It was a shock. I never expected to win Best Non-Fiction. Being called to the stage for the Best Author title was an honor. I don’t see myself as a great writer, but I believe my approach resonated.”

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Frontline Legends opens the door to South Africa’s underworld from the 1950s to the 1970s, a period often spoken about but seldom documented accurately. The book traces the stories of well-known figures, such as Sherief Khan, Solly Khan, and Dan ‘Ma-Gly’ September, bringing to life the social conditions, power struggles, and courtroom battles that defined the era.

One of the book’s standout chapters recounts the historic 17th Street double murder trial. A case that captivated the nation.

To ensure the book’s authenticity, Suleman spent five years conducting intensive research. He worked through law journals, court transcripts, newspaper archives, and old community accounts, often connecting with families of the men featured to verify details.

“True crime writing is sensitive. Everything you put on the page must be factual. If someone asks where I got the information, I can show them the exact source.”

Although the book delves into the criminal world, Suleman is clear that it is not a glorification of gang life. Instead, it offers a deeper understanding of the social and political pressures that shaped the people caught in those environments.

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“One does not justify what happened, but one can understand the circumstances. At the end of the day, crime never pays.”

The book’s success has led to invitations for Suleman to speak at schools and universities, where he often encourages young people to read more, develop strong communication skills, and surround themselves with positive influences.

He is currently working on a sequel, which will extend the narrative into the post 1980s era. While it continues certain storylines, Suleman says new readers will still be able to follow it with ease.

With growing recognition and a loyal readership, Frontline Legends has positioned Suleman as an important voice in South African true crime writing.

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