Mark Lifman killed during steroid king trial

Tears were shed at the Western Cape High Court on Monday as Mark Lifman, who was facing murder charges, was officially declared dead after being shot in George on Sunday.

Lifman, 57, was due to return to court where he was on trial for the murder of steroid king Brian Wainstein, along with several others. The businessman from Fresnaye was shot at Garden Route Mall on Sunday afternoon while heading to his bakkie.

On Monday morning, cameras filled the courtroom as Lifman’s friends and co-accused, including Andre Naude and Jerome ‘Donkie’ Booysen, appeared visibly upset in the dock.

Legal representatives offered their condolences to Lifman’s team, who were in tears waiting for Judge Vincent Saldanha. State prosecutor Advocate Mervyn Menigo addressed the court, stating that due to the murder, the State would request a postponement to handle administrative matters, like obtaining a death certificate and allowing Lifman’s legal team to withdraw.

“The more serious submission I have to make is that Accused 1 was murdered in George yesterday. His life was taken and the matter is under investigation.”

Lifman’s lawyer, Advocate Estelle Kilian, was clearly upset as she withdrew from the trial.

“I confirm the passing of my client. I therefore do not have any further instructions, I withdraw from the matter,” Kilian said.

Saldanha expressed his condolences to Lifman’s family and friends, saying, “The Court wishes to express condolences to the family of your client, and I speak on behalf of all the court staff and the State and defence on the tragic circumstances of your client’s passing. It is a tragedy that anyone needs to die in such circumstances.”

The trial has been postponed until next Monday, and it is still unclear if any charges will be dropped.

Lifman and others faced multiple charges related to Wainstein’s murder and underworld conflicts linked to nightclub security in Cape Town.

He is the fourth accused in this major trial to be killed in recent years.

After Lifman’s arrest, Booysen and alleged gang leader William “Red” Stevens were granted bail of R100,000. However, in February 2021, Stevens was shot dead outside his home in Kraaifontein.

The notorious figure, known for his tattoos and connections to other criminals, was declared dead at the scene, and later, two alleged henchmen of gang leader Ralph Stanfield were charged with his murder.

A month later, another accused, Jason Maits, was shot and killed as he left his home in Westridge.

More than a year later, another accused, Anthony Ameer van der Watt, was shot while travelling on the M5 highway.

On October 6, 2022, the road was blocked as police questioned Van der Watt’s driver, and his death was confirmed during pretrial hearings.

Police have not yet confirmed if any suspected hitmen linked to Lifman’s shooting have been arrested.

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