In eighteen chapters and an epilogue, the book details the creation and functioning of a "shadow mafia state"[1] created by and surrounding President Jacob Zuma.

Within four days of the book's publication it was cited in parliamentary questions directed at the president by the opposition Democratic Alliance.

[2] On 3 November 2017, the SSA issued a cease and desist letter against Pauw and NB Publishers, arguing that the book contravened the Intelligence Service Act.

[4] The actions by the SSA and SARS were criticised as censorship by civil society organisations including the Right2Know Campaign[5] and Corruption Watch,[6] as well as by the South African Communist Party.

[14] In February 2018, the Hawks searched his home and guesthouse in Riebeek-Kasteel, Western Cape in connection with an ongoing criminal investigation.