‘The Customs Man’ exposes the true cost of corruption

IN HIS debut novel The Customs Man, former customs official Zain Aboobaker offers an unflinching dive into the hidden world of smuggling, corruption and the deeply personal cost of doing the right thing in a compromised system.

- LUTHO PASIYA

Set in modern-day South Africa, the story is as much a crime thriller as it is a commentary on the state of the nation —a place where justice is fragile, morality is tested and the boundaries between law enforcement and lawbreaking are often indistinguishable.

At the heart of the story is a dedicated customs officer whose moral compass is tested when he becomes entangled in a web of organised crime, internal betrayal and administrative corruption.

As he navigates a dangerous professional landscape, he is forced to choose between upholding the law and protecting the people he loves - a decision that has life-altering consequences.

The novel's protagonist is a reflection of the ethical dilemmas many face in a country where state institutions are under siege from corruption and criminal enterprise.

What makes The Customs Man stand out is its authenticity.

Aboobaker draws from 17 years of firsthand experience within SARS customs, where he eventually led the anti-smuggling division.

After leaving the public sector in 2008, he launched a consultancy focused on customs and border issues, making him uniquely qualified to craft a narrative that feels both immediate and credible.

The world he builds is populated with vibrant, complex characters, many of whom are inspired by real people he has encountered throughout his life - from colleagues and schoolmates to brief acquaintances and notorious figures within the customs ecosystem.

The result is a cast of characters whose dialogue feels grounded and alive, their motivations as layered and conflicted as the society around them.