Cape Town – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has confirmed that the prosecution of the remaining men accused alongside Mark Lifman will continue, despite the underworld figure’s recent assassination. The highly anticipated trial, which has gripped the public’s attention, will return to the Western Cape High Court on Monday, where Lifman’s death certificate will be handed to Judge Vincent Saldanha. This announcement comes in the wake of Lifman’s shooting death outside the Garden Route Mall on Sunday, which forced a temporary adjournment of the trial. The following day, Judge Saldanha acknowledged Lifman’s absence and confirmed that the State had requested a postponement to obtain his death certificate and address administrative matters related to the case.
NPA spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila assured the public that the prosecution would proceed with the charges against the remaining accused in the case, which includes figures such as Jerome “Donkie” Booysen, Andre Naude, and Sam Farquharson, among others. The group faces multiple charges connected to the murder of Brian Wainstein, a notorious figure in the underworld, and other violent incidents in Cape Town’s nightclub scene. According to the indictment, Mark Lifman was the primary accused in Wainstein’s murder and was also facing several other charges, including conspiracy to commit murder, money laundering, and public violence, under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act. The trial involves numerous charges, including allegations that Lifman and his co-accused were behind a string of violent incidents in the Cape Town CBD.
Ntabazalila stressed that the State will continue prosecuting the remaining suspects and would not be withdrawing any charges despite Lifman’s death. “The State will hand over a death certificate to the court and will continue with the prosecution of the remaining accused. The State will not stop prosecution or withdraw charges against any of the remaining accused,” Ntabazalila said. Lifman’s death marks the fourth accused in the case to be killed in recent years. His death follows a chilling pattern, as other individuals connected to the trial have met similar fates. In February 2021, William Stevens, an alleged 27s gang boss, was gunned down outside his Kraaifontein home. This was followed by the killing of Jason Maits in March 2021 and Anthony Ameer van der Watt in October 2022, all of whom were involved in the ongoing case.
While the prosecution faces serious challenges, the NPA has emphasized its commitment to holding the remaining accused accountable. The case has become a symbol of the growing dangers facing those connected to South Africa’s underworld and the far-reaching impact of organized crime in the country.
Obama calls for unity and respect for democratic process following US election results
Washington, D.C. – Former U.S. President Barack Obama responded to the results of the 2024 presidential election with a message of respect for the democratic process, urging Americans to come together in the wake of the contentious race. Obama’s remarks followed the victory of Donald Trump and his running mate, Senator JD Vance, who defeated Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. In a statement, Obama acknowledged the deep disappointment many Democrats were feeling but emphasized the importance of upholding democratic principles, particularly the peaceful transfer of power. “This is obviously not the outcome we had hoped for, given our profound disagreements with the Republican ticket on a whole host of issues,” Obama said. “But living in a democracy is about recognizing that our point of view won’t always win out, and being willing to accept the peaceful transfer of power.”
The former president also praised Kamala Harris and Tim Walz for their service and leadership, calling them “extraordinary public servants” who ran a “remarkable campaign.” Obama expressed gratitude to all those who worked on the campaign, noting that the volunteers and staff gave their “heart and soul” to the cause. Reflecting on the election and the state of the nation, Obama acknowledged the challenges facing Americans, including the economic hardships brought on by the pandemic and rising costs. “America has been through a lot over the last few years – from a historic pandemic and price hikes resulting from the pandemic, to rapid change and the feeling a lot of folks have that, no matter how hard they work, treading water is the best they can do,” Obama said.
However, Obama conveyed a message of hope, reminding the country that these problems are not insurmountable. “The good news is that these problems are solvable – but only if we listen to each other, and only if we abide by the core constitutional principles and democratic norms that made this country great,” he said. Obama’s message was not just about overcoming challenges, but about embracing the value of unity in a diverse nation. He noted that while it is natural for Americans to disagree on many issues, the key to progress is mutual respect. “In a country as big and diverse as ours, we won’t always see eye-to-eye on everything, but progress requires us to extend good faith and grace – even to people with whom we deeply disagree,” Obama remarked.
He closed his statement with an appeal for the country to continue working together toward a better future. “Unity doesn’t mean we have to agree on everything, but it does require respect and understanding. We must continue building a country that is, in my words, more fair, more just, more equal, and more free.” Obama’s remarks struck a hopeful and conciliatory tone at a time when the country faces significant political division. His call for unity and adherence to democratic principles serves as a reminder of the strength of American democracy, even in the face of deep ideological divides.
