Witness Testifies About Violent Debt Collection Tactics in Mark Lifman Trial

In the ongoing trial of Mark Lifman and his associates in South Africa, a key witness has provided chilling testimony about the use of physical force and intimidation in debt collection efforts.

The witness, referred to as Mr. X, stated that he worked as a debt collector for Lifman, leveraging his imposing stature to coerce individuals into settling their debts. When intimidation failed, Mr. X claimed they resorted to assault.

The trial involves charges against Lifman, Jerome 'Donkie' Booysen, Andre Naude, and others, with three co-accused murdered before the proceedings began. At the heart of the case is the 2017 murder of steroid smuggler Brian Weinstein and a period of violent conflict between rival security providers and nightclub bouncers in Cape Town. Prosecutors allege that Lifman's group recruited members of the 27s gang to strong-arm venues into switching from a rival security faction led by Nafiz Modack and Colin Booysen.

Taking the stand, Mr. X detailed how he and his brother, despite no prior debt collection experience, were enlisted in these efforts. He claimed they sometimes had to "beat up" debtors, with a Sea Point police officer allegedly paid off to make any cases against them disappear. The state contends that the brothers were initiated into the 27s gang, with Mr. X potentially receiving immunity for his testimony implicating himself and others in various crimes.

Why this matters: The explosive testimony in the Lifman trial sheds light on the brutal tactics and gang involvement in debt collection rackets in South Africa. The case highlights the dangerous intersection of organized crime, corruption, and violence that threatens public safety and the rule of law.

As the trial continues, Mr. X's account paints a disturbing picture of the violent underworld of debt collection in Cape Town. "If talking didn't work, we would resort to physical force," he stated bluntly in his testimony. The proceedings are anticipated to further expose the alleged criminal activities and gang ties of Lifman and his co-accused in a case that has captivated the nation.

Key Takeaways

• Key witness testified about violent debt collection tactics used by Lifman's group.
• Lifman's group allegedly recruited 27s gang members to strong-arm venues into switching security.
• Witness claimed they sometimes had to "beat up" debtors, with police allegedly paid off.
• Case highlights the intersection of organized crime, corruption, and violence in debt collection.
• Testimony paints a disturbing picture of the violent underworld of debt collection in Cape Town.