During the trial of Cape Town businessmen Mark Lifman, Jerome Booysen, Andre Naude, and others, a witness known only as Mr X provided testimony regarding the tumultuous events surrounding the ‘takeback’ of nightclub security in the Cape Town CBD in 2017. Mr X, whose identity remains protected, described his role as a protector within one of the groups vying for control.
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He detailed how he, along with other gangsters, formed a convoy comprising high-end bulletproof vehicles and taxis, travelling from club to club in an attempt to intimidate owners and managers into reinstating their security services.
Mr X disclosed that he used burner phones, obtained from a shop in Sea Point, to communicate during these operations, employing strict usage limits to evade detection by law enforcement.
According to Mr X, the gangsters he collaborated with exhibited aggressive behaviour, although they themselves refrained from carrying firearms. Instead, a separate vehicle containing guns would shadow their movements, providing a ready arsenal if needed.
In situations requiring firearms, the weapons could swiftly be distributed from the accompanying vehicle. Should law enforcement arrive, the vehicle could discreetly depart with the firearms, ensuring that the gang members would not be caught with them during any subsequent police search, thus avoiding legal repercussions.
He serves as the initial witness in the trial involving a line-up of defendants, including Mark Lifman, purported leader of the Sexy Boys gang Jerome Booysen, security firm owner Andre Naude, and several others such as Sam Farquharson, police officer Wayne Henderson, and more.
The primary charges revolve around the murder of Brian Wainstein, a steroid dealer, in which Mr X played a role. Additionally, they are accused of engaging in criminal activities as a collective, amid a backdrop of heightened rivalry between Nafiz Modack and Jerome’s sibling, Colin Booysen.
All defendants entered pleas of not guilty to the charges against them. Initially part of a close-knit ‘brotherhood,’ Colin and Jerome Booysen, Lifman, and Naude found themselves at odds when Colin aligned with rivals Modack, assisting in a nightclub security coup.
Starting as a debt collector, Mr X transitioned into steroid sales for Wainstein, gradually becoming acquainted with Lifman, Naude, Jerome Booysen, and others. He revealed his initiation into the 27s, with rumours suggesting Booysen belonged to the 26s.
Tensions escalated when Lifman bid on Modack’s house, resulting in a chaotic confrontation where Naude brandished a firearm. This spurred the Lifman, Booysen, and Naude group to strategise a counter-move to reclaim their club security domain.
A pivotal meeting at 27s leader Stevens’ house was convened, seeking support for a forceful display of dominance outside targeted nightclubs. Red Stevens agreed to assist and brokered at a significant gathering hosted by Jerome Booysen, where Lifman was introduced as a neutral party.
On 8 April 2017, the group convened at a Caltex garage in Sea Point, planning a show of force at venues including Coco Bar, Mavericks, and Club 31, previously seized by Modack and Colin.
Booysen and Naude spearheaded the convoy, with Booysen’s bulletproof vehicle leading the way, followed by other vehicles and three taxis filled with 27s members, while another car containing guns trailed behind.
Their approach remained consistent: park near the club entrance, exude an intimidating presence, approach the manager or owner, and persuade them to switch security allegiances.
According to Mr X, the purpose was clear: to demonstrate their dominance and intimidate the establishment owners.
They targeted venues like Coco Bar, Cubana, The Grand, Club 31 and Mavericks. At Coco Bar, they parked directly at the entrance, forming a circle to assert their presence. Outside Mavericks, near the Cape Town Central police station, they stood three deep opposite the club’s door, with the armoured car parked nearby.
Mr X expressed concern about potential police intervention, fearing arrest. Naude and Booysen then informed the group that Modack and Colin Booysen were en route.
As anticipation grew, everyone prepared for the possibility of Modack and Colin Booysen’s arrival.
Mr X revealed that Naidoo instructed the late Marwaan Desaid to ‘open fire on Modack and Booysen’, ensuring Jerome didn’t overhear as he didn’t want his brother harmed.
A police officer intervened outside Mavericks, prompting Naude to call an end to their activities for the night.
The following day, on 9 April, half of the group convened at a McDonald’s in Sea Point, while the other half gathered near the McDonald’s in N1 City to bolster their authority. However, police intervened, dispersing the groups and making arrests in Sea Point.
Fleeing to their vehicles, they regrouped at a pool bar in Durbanville to strategise their next moves.
According to News24, the trial was suspended on that note until Monday.
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Picture: Jaco Marais / Gallo Images