Nafiz Modack denies hiring hitman for alleged murders! Alleged underworld gang boss Nafiz Modack has denied accusations that he hired a self-confessed hitman to carry out several murders on his behalf. Modack, along with 14 co-accused, faces 122 charges, including the murder of high-ranking police officer Charl Kinnear.
On Tuesday, Modack firmly refuted claims that he instructed a state witness, identified only as Mr. A for protection, to kill former Hawks officer Nico Heerschap, tow truck driver Richard Joseph, defense attorney William Booth, and alleged underworld figure Andre Naude.
Allegations from the Witness Stand
In his testimony, Mr. A claimed he had been recruited to murder the four men at Modack’s behest. He described a failed hit on Heerschap’s father in Melkbostrand in 2019, in which five of the co-accused allegedly assisted him. The incident, which ended tragically, was reportedly an attempt to kill Heerschap but resulted in the elder Heerschap’s death instead.
Mr. A further testified that co-accused Zyaad Poole directed him to carry out the murders of Joseph, Booth, and Naude. However, while attempts were made on Booth and Naude’s lives, both men survived the attacks.
Modack’s Defense
During the court session, Modack denied any involvement in ordering the attacks. He asserted that he had no motive to target Naude and claimed he had never issued instructions for any murders.
“I had no reason to murder Naude,” Modack said, distancing himself from the accusations.
Naude is said to be an associate of prominent alleged underworld figures Jerome “Donkie” Booysen and Mark Lifman. Lifman, who had been embroiled in Cape Town’s underworld for years, was recently shot dead in George. Naude’s association with these figures has made him a notable name in the ongoing trial.
Despite Modack’s denial, Mr. A admitted to firing several shots at Naude’s residence in Bellville on September 6, 2019. The details of the attack, which did not result in Naude’s death, have raised further questions about the motivations behind the attempted hit.
Cape Town’s Nightclub Scene Connection
Modack acknowledged that he had knowledge of Naude because of the latter’s role in Cape Town’s nightclub security between 2012 and 2017. During that time, Naude allegedly managed security operations for various clubs, a business that has often been tied to underworld activities and territorial disputes in the city’s nightlife industry.
Cape Town’s nightclub scene has long been associated with gang violence and organized crime, with various factions vying for control over lucrative security and extortion rackets. Modack has been accused of playing a prominent role in these disputes over the years.
Background of the Case
The murder of Charl Kinnear, one of South Africa’s top police officers, remains a pivotal aspect of the case. Kinnear, who had been investigating organized crime in Cape Town’s underworld, was shot outside his home in 2020. His death sent shockwaves through the law enforcement community and intensified scrutiny on criminal networks operating in the city.
Modack’s trial is one of the most high-profile organized crime cases in South Africa in recent years. The state is attempting to prove that Modack orchestrated a web of violent crimes, including assassinations and intimidation tactics, to maintain control over criminal enterprises.
Ongoing Trial
As the trial continues, the court will further examine the credibility of Mr. A’s testimony and the evidence presented by both sides. The defense is expected to argue that Modack’s connection to the attempted murders is tenuous at best, while the prosecution will aim to establish a clear link between Modack’s alleged orders and the violent acts carried out.
The outcome of the trial could have significant implications for the future of organized crime in Cape Town and the broader efforts to dismantle criminal syndicates across South Africa. The legal proceedings are closely monitored by both law enforcement and the public, as they hold the potential to shed light on the inner workings of the city’s underworld.
For now, the trial remains far from over, with more testimony and evidence expected in the coming days.
