The high-profile trial of alleged underworld gang boss Nafiz Modack is set to resume in the Western Cape High Court later today, marking the end of a recess that has lasted more than a month.
Modack, who is standing trial alongside 14 co-accused, faces a total of 122 charges linked to the alleged operation of a criminal enterprise.
The charges range from murder and extortion to money laundering and fraud, forming part of one of the most closely watched criminal cases in the province.
The case returns to court after the State concluded its evidence late last year. Prosecutor Greg Wolmarans formally closed the State’s case in November, following 29 days of cross-examination focused on Modack’s alleged role at the centre of the enterprise.
The prosecution relied heavily on cellphone records to demonstrate how Modack allegedly directed co-accused individuals to carry out criminal activities on his behalf.
The evidence presented aimed to show patterns of communication and coordination between Modack and several of those charged alongside him.
Among the most significant claims before the court is the allegation that Modack used co-accused Zane Killian to track the movements of top police official Charl Kinnear in the days leading up to his assassination in September 2020.
Kinnear, who was investigating organised crime networks, was shot dead outside his Bishop Lavis home, a killing that sent shockwaves through law enforcement circles.
Modack has consistently denied the charges, maintaining that the case against him is politically and criminally motivated.
According to EWN, he has alleged that the accusations were fabricated by his supposed underworld rival, Jerome ‘Donkie’ Booysen, with the assistance of allegedly corrupt police officers.
With the trial resuming, attention now turns to the defence phase, as Modack’s legal representative, advocate Bashier Sibda, is expected to re-examine his client as proceedings continue, a move that could further test the State’s version of events.
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Picture: Jaco Marais / Gallo Images
