The High Court in Cape Town has once again postponed the trial of several alleged underworld gang bosses, including Jerome “Donkie” Booysen and André Naude, along with others facing charges related to the 2017 killing of steroid smuggler Brian Wainstein. The matter, which was set to resume on Monday, has been delayed due to a series of unexpected developments.
The trial, which has been closely followed due to its high-profile nature, was postponed after accused number one, Mark Lifman, was tragically gunned down earlier this month in George. Lifman’s death has added further complexity to the case, leaving the court with new challenges to address.
Two of the other accused, Bevan Ezaus and Ismail Cupido, were also absent from court proceedings. Ezaus had been taken into police custody over the weekend for an undisclosed reason but was later released. Meanwhile, Cupido, who is epileptic, was unable to attend the trial due to a seizure he suffered over the weekend.
Despite the delays, the state prosecutor informed the court that it is ready to proceed with its case. The legal team is prepared to move forward with the prosecution of those implicated in the murder of Wainstein, a notorious figure in the steroid trafficking underworld.
Wainstein was killed in 2017, and his murder is believed to be linked to a larger network of organized crime in South Africa, involving several key figures with ties to criminal gangs.
The trial involves several high-profile individuals, including Booysen and Naude, who are alleged to be major figures in the country’s criminal underworld. Their involvement in Wainstein’s murder has drawn significant public attention, as they are accused of orchestrating the hit in a dispute over steroid smuggling operations.
As the trial drags on, the defense and prosecution continue to spar over evidence and witness testimonies, with each side preparing for a lengthy legal battle.
The trial has now been rescheduled to continue today, with all eyes on whether the remaining accused will be present and how the case will proceed in light of the recent developments. The court has promised that any further delays will be addressed swiftly to ensure justice is served in this high-profile case.
Watch the video below:
Source: SABC News
