The Unfolding Drama in The Western Cape High Court

4 mins read
western cape high court underworld feud

The Western Cape High Court is preparing for two upcoming trials involving alleged underworld adversaries Nafiz Modack, Mark Lifman, and Jerome ‘Donkie’ Booysen. These trials will unveil the convoluted ties and obscure alliances within Cape Town’s criminal underworld and the involvement of a compromised law enforcement system. The trials will disclose the dark side of a city renowned for its stunning landscapes and picturesque beaches, exposing the harsh realities of the city’s criminal underworld.

What is happening in the Western Cape High Court?

The Western Cape High Court is preparing for two high-profile trials involving alleged underworld adversaries Nafiz Modack, Mark Lifman, and Jerome ‘Donkie’ Booysen. These trials will unveil the convoluted and shadowy underbelly of Cape Town’s nightlife, exposing the intricate ties and obscure alliances within the city’s criminal underworld and the involvement of a compromised law enforcement system.

Newsletter

Stay Informed • Cape Town

Get breaking news, events, and local stories delivered to your inbox daily. All the news that matters in under 5 minutes.

Join 10,000+ readers
No spam, unsubscribe anytime

Imminent High-Profile Trials

Elevated pressure can be felt as the Western Cape High Court braces itself for a thrilling real-life drama. Two long-anticipated trials are about to start, involving alleged underworld adversaries Nafiz Modack, Mark Lifman, and Jerome ‘Donkie’ Booysen. A narrative that could have been pulled from a gangster film script is set to unravel in the court chambers, unveiling the convoluted and shadowy underbelly of Cape Town’s nightlife. The stage is dominated by the infamous 27s gang and a faction led by Nafiz Modack.

The Power Struggle Within The Underworld

As reported by IOL, these courtroom events will bring to light a saga that has been tormenting Cape Town’s underworld for several years. A power struggle between the 27s gang and Modack, who is already embroiled in the murder trial of Lieutenant-Colonel Charl Kinnear, is scheduled to resume on April 16. Lifman and Booysen, meanwhile, are set to stand trial for charges related to the murder of steroid dealer Brian Wainstein on April 22.

Recent court documents have exposed alarming murder conspiracies aimed at eliminating major players on both sides amidst escalating tensions. Modack and his allies are looking at a staggering total of over 100 charges. These range from the murders of Kinnear and Nicholaas Heerschap, to purported orchestrations of surveillance against rivals like Booysen and Lifman. The State alleges that Modack, in collaboration with a variety of gangs, directed assassinations that included Andre Naude, a close ally of Lifman.

The Root of The Feud and its Escalation

The root of this conflict traces back to 2016, when Lifman, Donkie, Colin Booysen, and Naude launched a closely-knit group that managed club security. Nevertheless, a storm was brewing. Colin accused his brother and Lifman of inviting 27s gang members to a club dispute. This provoked a rift, leading Colin to side with Modack, igniting a fierce turf war over club dominance, accompanied by a string of violent clashes.

The situation spun out of control on April 8, 2017, when a presumed gang leader, known as Red, mobilized forces to regain control of the clubs. The resulting turmoil exposed the gritty side of the nightlife industry, marked by intimidation, power struggles, and violence. Subsequent events included a failed attempt on the life of Ralph Stanfield, the alleged head of the 28s gang, which further stoked the fires of retributive violence.

Corruption Charges and The Upcoming Trials

A dispute between Lifman and Wainstein over property and investments culminated in a deadly plot to eliminate Wainstein. This was allegedly masterminded by Lifman and the 27s gang. The shadow of police corruption looms over these courtroom dramas, with claims of law enforcement officials assisting and encouraging gang activities.

In the case of Modack, former AGU officer Ashley Tabisher is accused of revealing police strategies to his associates. In Lifman’s trial, allegations point to Sergeant Wayne Henderson attempting to destroy evidence implicating the Breet Brothers in suspected hits. These trials are set to unravel the intricate ties and obscure alliances within the city’s criminal underworld, and the involvement of a compromised law enforcement system.

The Hidden Struggle Within A Vibrant City

Beneath the bustling surface of Cape Town’s lively nightlife, a sinister power contest continues. The forthcoming trials are set to disclose the dark side of a city renowned for its stunning landscapes and picturesque beaches. They depict a city in a self-inflicted conflict, where the fight for dominance continues, not among politicians or corporate tycoons, but between warring gangs, each striving for control. The Western Cape High Court is the arena where this covert drama will be revealed, exposing the harsh realities of the city’s criminal underworld.

1. What are the upcoming trials in the Western Cape High Court?

The Western Cape High Court is preparing for two upcoming trials involving alleged underworld adversaries Nafiz Modack, Mark Lifman, and Jerome ‘Donkie’ Booysen.

2. What will the trials unveil?

The trials will unveil the convoluted and shadowy underbelly of Cape Town’s nightlife, exposing the intricate ties and obscure alliances within the city’s criminal underworld and the involvement of a compromised law enforcement system.

3. Who is involved in the power struggle within the underworld?

The power struggle is between the 27s gang and Nafiz Modack, who is already embroiled in the murder trial of Lieutenant-Colonel Charl Kinnear. Mark Lifman and Jerome ‘Donkie’ Booysen are also involved in the trials.

4. What are the charges against Nafiz Modack?

Modack and his allies are looking at a staggering total of over 100 charges. These range from murders to purported orchestrations of surveillance against rivals like Booysen and Lifman.

5. What is the root of the feud and its escalation?

The root of this conflict traces back to 2016, when Lifman, Donkie, Colin Booysen, and Naude launched a closely-knit group that managed club security. A rift was provoked when Colin accused his brother and Lifman of inviting 27s gang members to a club dispute, leading him to side with Modack and igniting a fierce turf war over club dominance.

6. What is the shadow of police corruption in the trials?

Claims of law enforcement officials assisting and encouraging gang activities have surfaced. Former AGU officer Ashley Tabisher is accused of revealing police strategies to Modack’s associates. In Lifman’s trial, allegations point to Sergeant Wayne Henderson attempting to destroy evidence implicating the Breet Brothers in suspected hits.

Previous Story

South Africa’s Sanitation Discourse: A Deeper Look into Private Toilet Service

Next Story

Unsettling Surge of Violence in Tranquil Muizenberg

Latest from Blog

Forging a Path to Enhanced Executive Oversight

South Africa is making big changes to keep a close eye on its top leaders! They made a new special committee in their parliament to watch the President. This committee will make sure the President and their office are doing things right and spending money wisely. They looked at how other countries do this to learn the best ways. This means more openness and trust, making sure everyone in power is held accountable to the people.

Cape Town’s Unmissable Weekend of Sporting Action

Cape Town is bursting with sports action from December 5th to 7th, 2025! You can cheer for the Proteas Women’s cricket team at Newlands against Ireland. Then, get ready for super exciting rugby sevens at DHL Stadium with the SVNS Cape Town tournament. And don’t miss Cape Town City FC playing football at Athlone Stadium. It’s a weekend full of thrills and fun for everyone!

South Africa Shines on the Global Cheese Stage

South African cheesemakers dazzled at the 2025 World Cheese Awards in Switzerland! They won many shiny medals, including two top Super Gold awards for Klein River Cheese’s Babylonstoren Parmesan and Dalewood Fromage’s Boland cheese. Nellie Fischer was even named the Best Female Cheesemaker. This big win makes South Africa super proud and shows their amazing cheese is now famous all over the world!

Renewing the Mozambique-South Africa Partnership: Highlights from the 4th Bi-National Commission

Mozambique and South Africa just held their 4th big meeting, the BiNational Commission, in Maputo. Their leaders, Presidents Ramaphosa and Chapo, met to make their countries even closer friends. They talked about important things like making their economies stronger, keeping everyone safe, and helping people thrive. This meeting helps them work together on many projects, from big gas plants to fighting sickness, making life better for everyone in both countries.

Deepening South Africa-Mozambique Ties: Progress and Prospects from the Fourth Bi-National Commission

South Africa and Mozambique are like old friends, working together to make things better. They talk a lot about how to help each other, especially with money, jobs, and safety. They remember their shared past of fighting for freedom, which makes their bond super strong. Now, they’re building roads, sharing power, and helping each other stay healthy and safe. This teamwork helps both countries grow and makes the whole neighborhood stronger.