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In a recent court session that has captured the attention of Cape Town's concerned citizens, dramatic developments unfolded pertaining to the city's nightclub security industry and its convoluted ties to alleged underworld activities. Anwar Gallie, an associate of the accused gang leader Nafiz Modack, delivered testimony on Thursday, shedding light on the clandestine operations behind the takeover of nightclub security from Mark Lifman, a businessman whose life came to a tragic end in George.
The tale recounted by Gallie dates back to 2012 when he joined forces with Modack to form Eagle VIP, a company that dealt with offering security services to nightclubs—a venture that would end in 2017. The subsequent auctioning of two of Modack's properties sparked a fateful dispute with Lifman, who was then renowned for his hold over the club security sector in Cape Town. Gallie's testimony chronicles a personal threat he received from Lifman during a confrontation, which spurred him to usurp Lifman's dominance in the nightclub security space.
This courthouse narrative offers a glimpse into a broader saga involving Modack and his 14 co-accused who are collectively facing a staggering 122 charges. Their alleged crimes range from running an organized criminal enterprise to more serious offenses such as attempted murder and the killing of Lifman, who was gunned down at the Garden Route Mall in George—a murder that occurred on the somber day Lifman was due in court.
The court proceedings are ongoing, with Gallie playing a role as a state witness against Modack. This case continues to unfold as the pursuit of justice seeks to untangle the web of money laundering, public violence, and other related crimes in Cape Town's underworld. The community eagerly awaits further revelations that will hopefully lead to a deeper understanding and resolution to the city’s criminal complexities.