During the trial at the Western Cape High Court, Nico Heerschap, a former Hawks officer, expressed his forgiveness towards the alleged hitman hired by Nafiz Modack, whom he had been investigating for suspected asset finance fraud.
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He recounted the tragic incident where his father, Nicholaas Heerschap, was fatally shot outside their Melkbosstrand home. Nico had interrupted his leave to testify against Modack’s bodyguard, Louis Visser, on the day of the murder.
His father was targeted while preparing for a school run. An earlier witness, identified as Mr A, confessed to carrying out the hit, mistakenly targeting Nicholaas instead of the intended police officer.
Nico revealed that his investigation into Modack began in 2014, focusing on multiple complaints of asset finance fraud lodged by South African banks. He described the intensity of the situation, emphasising the seriousness of the allegations against Modack.
‘They were very, very, very upset,’ he said.
Applicants would submit falsified payslips and other documents to fraudulently secure vehicle finance, Nico explained. He mentioned that the investigation into these fraudulent activities wasn’t officially registered in the police system to safeguard sources but noted that Modack became aware of it through a witness.
Nico’s initial encounter with Modack occurred while probing a vehicle allegedly financed fraudulently, linked to Visser’s brother. He highlighted Visser’s sudden rise in income, suspecting collusion with Modack.
Nico and a colleague visited Modack’s residence to examine a black Golf GTI reportedly obtained through one of the suspect loans. When Nico tried to intercept Modack, he sped away, instructing Nico to contact his lawyer.
Subsequently, Modack’s legal team reached out to Nico regarding the charges. Despite being charged with obstructing justice, the case against Modack was dismissed, but he used his warning statement to file complaints against Nico.
Their paths crossed again when Nico discovered Modack’s gun in a vehicle outside a magistrate’s court, leading to charges that were later withdrawn. Nico expressed frustration over the gun’s fate in police custody.
Modack’s lawyer denied his client’s knowledge of the investigation, suggesting Nico’s numerous cases might have generated enemies. He claimed Modack fled because Nico arrived in an unmarked vehicle, implying unfamiliarity.
Nico dismissed the lawyer’s claim by pointing out that Modack’s legal representative had contacted him directly on his cellphone following the incident, questioning how they would have known whom to call if Modack didn’t recognise him.
When Prosecutor Greg Wolmarans inquired about his feelings regarding his father’s death, Nico revealed that he had met the individual identified as Mr A, who carried out the shooting. Nico expressed his forgiveness towards Mr A, stating that he had disclosed the events surrounding the incident to him and that he had accepted his explanation.
In addition to Modack, the trial involves several other individuals, including Zane Kilian, Ziyaad Poole, and others, who face charges related to various crimes, such as the murder of Richard Joseph, AGU detective Charl Kinnear, and the attempted murder of lawyer William Booth. All the accused parties have denied the charges against them.
The trial is set to resume on Monday 29 April, with the introduction of a new witness.
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Picture: Jaco Marais / Gallo Images