Jerome “Donkie” Booysen, an alleged kingpin of the Cape Town underworld, has become the focal point of a high-profile murder trial that continues to draw national attention. Standing trial in the Western Cape High Court, Jerome and 11 co-accused face a staggering 36 charges, including the murder of steroid magnate Brian Wainstein in 2017. The indictment also includes accusations of gang-related activities, intimidation, and breaches of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act.
In a dramatic twist in the proceedings, attention has now turned to alleged corruption within the police force—specifically linked to the actions of former Sea Point detective Wayne Henderson, who is among those charged.
A ballistics expert from the SAPS forensic science laboratory in Plattekloof, testifying under anonymity, revealed disturbing claims against Henderson. According to the witness, Henderson failed to collect fingerprints from a firearm believed to be tied to Wainstein’s killing—a serious omission that the State claims was not accidental.
Despite Setbacks, the Case Against Jerome Moves Forward
The prosecution alleges that Henderson accepted a R100,000 bribe from accused number four, Sam Farquharson, to compromise the investigation. Instead of retrieving the weapon for fingerprint analysis, Henderson allegedly contacted the ballistics unit and instructed them to proceed with their report even if he didn’t return—a move that raised immediate suspicions within SAPS.
The incident has raised deep concerns about institutional corruption and how law enforcement may have played a role—whether knowingly or through manipulation—in shielding key players in the criminal underworld linked to Jerome.
The trial has also shed light on the operations of a feared criminal syndicate known as “The Brotherhood”, allegedly led by Jerome, his brother Colin Booysen, and the now-deceased Mark Lifman and Andre Naude.
Court evidence suggests that this network functioned as a tight-knit alliance for over two decades, exerting control over Cape Town’s nightclub security industry, narcotics trade, and other illicit markets. However, an internal rift in 2016—sparked by an altercation at the Coco Bar nightclub—fractured the group.
Colin Booysen’s realignment with underworld figure Nafiz Modack created a splinter faction, leading to a violent turf war over nightclub security control. This feud reportedly played a critical role in the motive for Wainstein’s assassination, as he was suspected of funding and supporting one faction over the other.
Jerome- The ongoing trial has been plagued by external violence, with multiple accused killed under mysterious circumstances, further complicating proceedings.
In November 2024, Mark Lifman was assassinated in the parking lot of George’s Garden Route Mall. His death certificate was formally submitted in court to officially remove him from the indictment. Just months later, Andre Naude was shot dead in a drive-by attack in Parow—marking him as the fifth person tied to the case to be murdered.
These violent acts not only underscore the dangerous stakes of the case but have also led to significant delays. A key witness known only as “Mr X” was deemed medically unfit to testify following Lifman’s assassination, citing severe psychological distress. His testimony was expected to be a turning point in the trial.
Despite the chaos surrounding the case—including missing witnesses, assassinations, and rising concerns over police corruption—legal experts maintain that the State’s case remains strong.
Prosecutors continue to argue that there is sufficient evidence, particularly digital communications and phone records, to implicate the remaining accused, including Jerome Booysen, in the broader conspiracy and execution of Brian Wainstein’s murder.
Legal analysts have noted that while the deaths of key figures like Lifman and Naude may affect some testimonies, they do not automatically collapse the prosecution’s narrative. The case is expected to continue for several more months, with further evidence and witnesses still to be presented.
Source- EWN
