A R10 million bounty was allegedly offered for the killing of underworld figure Mark Lifman. Lifman was shot dead outside Garden Route Mall in George on 3 November.
Suspects Johannes Jacobs and Gert Bezuidenhout face their second appearance in George Magistrate’s Court. Details have emerged linking the killing to an altercation that began on a Middelburg mine in March.
The Pub Fight
According to a Cape Argus source close to Lifman, a conflict involving Lifman allegedly originated on a mine in Middelburg.
The dispute reportedly began when a businessman, allegedly under the influence of drugs, began throwing Lifman’s name around during a pub fight. Lifman’s intervention initially defused the situation, but tensions escalated.
The source revealed, “This started in Middelburg, not Cape Town. The businessman involved was flaunting his connections, and Mark stepped in to calm things down. But after the initial confrontation, the businessman continued to seek control over security contracts at the mines.”
The R10 Million Bounty and Security Contracts
As disputes over security contracts intensified, the businessman allegedly sought to dominate security operations around the Middelburg mines.
To this end, he allegedly offered a staggering R10 million for Lifman’s murder. The source claimed that the businessman’s influence and financial power drove him to extreme measures.
Reports further indicate that the high-profile hit has prompted questions about the payment of the alleged killers. However, it remains unclear whether the accused received the alleged bounty.
Ongoing Speculation and Court Proceedings
Mark Lifman’s murder has ignited widespread speculation due to his involvement in underworld activities. He had a pending trial for the murder of “Steroid King” Brian Wainstein.
His death adds a new layer of intrigue to ongoing conflicts within South Africa’s criminal underworld, and the trial of Jacobs and Bezuidenhout is expected to shed further light on the circumstances surrounding his murder.
For now, the Cape Argus report and details from close associates suggest that Lifman’s notoriety and alleged business conflicts made him a target in a brutal game of power, money, and control within South Africa’s underworld.
The court proceedings are anticipated to uncover whether the alleged killers were indeed part of a broader plot to take down the controversial figure.
Organised Crime and South Africa’s Alarming Rank
According to the 2023 Global Organised Crime Index, South Africa ranks seventh globally—and third in Africa—among countries most impacted by organised crime. This is a stark and troubling statistic, reflecting a national crisis that demands government attention.
The report underscores how major political changes and economic hardship fuel organized crime worldwide. South Africa, positioned at a critical crossroads, is not only a hub for organised crime but also an attractive destination for criminals to operate.
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