Investigative reports from AmaBhungane suggest former South African Police Service (SAPS) members may have coordinated the killing of Cape Town underworld figure Mark Lifman in a hit that reportedly took months to plan.
Story Summary:
- Sources indicate that former SAPS members may be involved in Mark Lifman’s killing, which took months to plan.
- Two suspects were reportedly detained, tracked via security cameras, though SAPS has not yet confirmed arrests.
- Lifman’s death has led to a postponement in the Brian Wainstein murder trial, where he was a defendant.
Mark Lifman murder: Ex-SAPS could have been involved
Lifman, who was a prominent figure in Cape Town’s organised crime scene, was gunned down on Sunday, 3 November 2024, in a parking lot at the Garden Route Mall in George.
Sources close to the investigation indicate that the meticulous nature of the attack suggests it was executed by highly trained individuals, possibly former SAPS officers with specialised skills.
According to information from security groups in George, a Farm Watch surveillance network identified the suspects’ vehicle—a VW Polo—shortly after the shooting.
The suspects were tracked to Uniondale and reportedly taken into custody by police that evening, though SAPS has not publicly confirmed these arrests.
Lifman’s assassination has had immediate repercussions on the high-profile Brian Wainstein murder case, in which he was one of the primary defendants.
Known as the “steroid king,” Wainstein was murdered in 2017 at his home in Constantia, Cape Town, in a killing linked to Cape Town’s criminal networks.
Lifman, along with alleged Sexy Boys gang leader Jerome Booysen and others, faced charges related to the murder and various counts under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act.
Lifman’s passing has led the Western Cape High Court to postpone the Wainstein murder trial for a week, allowing time for his family and associates to grieve, per News24 reports.
Lifman’s attorney, Estelle Kilian, confirmed his death and announced her withdrawal from the case.
The court’s decision also comes amid increased security concerns, as Lifman’s murder has intensified speculation about safety risks for key figures involved in the trial.
