Alleged underworld gang boss Nafiz Modack took the stand on Wednesday to testify about his longstanding feud with the late Mark Lifman and Jerome “Donkie” Booysen, two prominent figures in Cape Town’s underworld. Modack, who is facing 122 charges alongside 14 co-accused for crimes allegedly tied to a criminal enterprise, shared detailed insights into how the rivalry began and escalated over time.
Origins of the Feud
Modack revealed that tensions between him and Lifman began in March 2017 when Lifman attempted to buy two of Modack’s properties at an auction. According to Modack, he had already secured buyers for the properties and had documents confirming that the auctions had been canceled. Despite this, Lifman allegedly persisted, insisting he would purchase the properties for less than their market value.
The situation took a dramatic turn when, during an argument, Lifman allegedly pulled out a firearm and pointed it at Modack’s face. This confrontation marked a significant escalation in their rivalry, which Modack claimed was rooted in both business disputes and intimidation tactics.
The Nightclub Takeover
Following the property dispute, Modack testified that he learned certain nightclub owners in Cape Town’s central business district (CBD) were unhappy with the security services Lifman was providing. Seeing an opportunity, Modack decided to take over security contracts at 80% of the nightclubs in Cape Town.
“I made this decision because Lifman tried to intimidate me and take my properties,” Modack told the court. The move effectively cut Lifman out of a significant portion of the nightlife security industry—a business long associated with Cape Town’s underworld.
Rise of Tensions
Modack’s testimony highlighted how the nightclub security industry played a central role in the rivalry. In Cape Town, control over nightclub security is a lucrative business often tied to the city’s criminal underworld. Security providers can wield significant influence, making the industry a frequent battleground for power struggles.
Modack’s takeover of Lifman’s nightclub contracts likely intensified their animosity. With Lifman already established in the industry, Modack’s sudden dominance would have posed a direct threat to his operations. This rivalry reportedly became more volatile over time, drawing in other underworld figures like Jerome “Donkie” Booysen.
Facing 122 Charges
Modack’s court appearance is part of a broader trial involving him and 14 other accused individuals facing a staggering 122 charges. These charges span a range of serious crimes, including extortion, kidnapping, money laundering, and attempted murder.
The prosecution alleges that Modack operated a sophisticated criminal enterprise that relied on intimidation and violence to control various industries, including nightclub security. The feud with Lifman and Booysen is seen as a key element of this alleged criminal empire.
Further Revelations Expected
Modack’s testimony is expected to continue in the coming days, with more revelations anticipated about the intricate web of Cape Town’s underworld dealings. Legal analysts predict that Modack will further elaborate on the roles Lifman and Booysen played in the alleged criminal enterprise, as well as the specific incidents that fueled their rivalry.
The late Mark Lifman, a well-known figure in Cape Town’s nightlife and security industry, was shot dead in December 2020 in what police described as a gang-related hit. His death added another layer of complexity to the already fraught dynamics of the city’s underworld.
Meanwhile, Jerome “Donkie” Booysen has been a central figure in gang-related investigations for years, known for his links to the infamous “Sexy Boys” gang.
Modack’s Defense Strategy
Modack’s testimony seems aimed at portraying him as a victim of intimidation rather than a perpetrator of organized crime. By emphasizing Lifman’s alleged attempt to purchase his properties through coercive means and detailing his decision to take over nightclub security, Modack may be attempting to frame his actions as business decisions rather than criminal activities.
However, prosecutors are likely to challenge this narrative, arguing that Modack’s actions were part of a broader strategy to dominate the underworld through fear and violence.
Conclusion
Nafiz Modack’s ongoing testimony is shedding light on the shadowy world of Cape Town’s criminal underworld. As the trial continues, more details are expected to emerge about his relationships with alleged underworld figures and the events that led to their explosive rivalry. For now, all eyes remain on the courtroom as one of South Africa’s most high-profile criminal trials unfolds.