Nafiz Modack claims he paid former cop R3 million over alleged death threats

Alleged underworld kingpin Nafiz Modack has claimed he paid retired Major-General Jeremy Vearey up to R3 million because he feared Vearey wanted him dead. Modack made the allegations while testifying on Thursday in his corruption and bribery trial, where he faces multiple charges related to running a criminal enterprise.

Modack’s Testimony in Court

During his testimony, Modack detailed his alleged dealings with Vearey and how former associate Mohamed Hanware played the role of a middleman in delivering bribes. Modack is among 15 accused facing a total of 122 charges, which include corruption, extortion, and money laundering.

According to Modack, the payments were initially made in an attempt to trap Vearey in a corruption scheme. Modack claimed that he gave Hanware R40,000, allegedly after Vearey agreed to accept the money in exchange for the return of nine firearms seized from Modack’s home. However, the plan to arrest Vearey fell through when criminal intelligence officers failed to apprehend him at the scene.

Nafiz Modack

Alleged Threats and Ongoing Payments

Modack further alleged that Hanware convinced him to continue making payments, claiming that Vearey had put out a hit on him. Out of fear for his life, Modack said he continued to hand over significant sums of money to Hanware, believing that it would protect him from harm.

Despite these claims, Vearey has categorically denied receiving any money from Modack. Hanware, however, admitted to pocketing the money himself, claiming that Modack owed him more than R1 million in unpaid debts.

Denials from Jeremy Vearey

Vearey, a well-known former senior police official, has publicly denied all accusations made by Modack. In a previous statement, he asserted that he never received bribes and suggested that Modack’s allegations were an attempt to deflect from the charges he faces in court. Vearey has long been a prominent figure in law enforcement, particularly for his work targeting gang violence and organized crime in Cape Town.

The case has drawn significant public interest due to Vearey’s reputation and Modack’s alleged involvement in various underworld activities. The trial is expected to shed light on the extent of Modack’s criminal operations and whether there is any truth to his claims of police corruption.

The Role of Mohamed Hanware

Hanware’s role as an intermediary has become a focal point in the trial. According to Modack, Hanware played a critical part in arranging the alleged bribe payments and was also instrumental in convincing Modack of the supposed threats on his life.

However, Hanware’s admission that he kept the money for himself raises questions about his credibility and motivations. If Hanware’s claims are true, it suggests that he may have exploited Modack’s fear for financial gain.

Ongoing Investigation

The allegations made by Modack have prompted further investigation into potential police corruption. The South African Police Service (SAPS) has not issued an official statement on the matter but is reportedly monitoring the trial closely.

Meanwhile, Modack and his co-accused continue to face mounting legal challenges as they answer to the numerous charges against them. Prosecutors allege that Modack led a sophisticated criminal enterprise involved in extortion, illegal firearms possession, and other criminal activities.

Public Reaction

The trial has sparked significant debate and speculation, particularly regarding the relationship between law enforcement and organized crime figures. While some believe Modack’s claims could expose corruption within the police force, others view the allegations as a desperate attempt to discredit a respected former officer.

As the trial progresses, more evidence and testimony are expected to be presented, which may provide further clarity on the complex web of accusations and counterclaims. For now, the case remains one of the most high-profile criminal trials in South Africa, with potentially far-reaching implications for both the accused and those named in the testimony.