Two men have been arrested in connection with the assassination of Mark Lifman, a prominent figure in Cape Town’s alleged criminal underworld, the Cape Argus is reporting.
Police are yet to confirm the arrests.
Lifman, 57, was shot dead on Sunday at George’s Garden Route Mall, where he was reportedly ambushed by gunmen wielding assault rifles.
According to the Argus, police sources told the publication that the suspects fled the scene in a white VW Golf with fake license plates.
Police circulated the plates and two white men were arrested in Uniondale and taken in for questioning.
The incident quickly stirred social media, with Capetonians speculating on the motive behind the shooting, as Lifman was involved in an ongoing High Court case and was linked to Cape Town’s notorious underworld rivalries.
Lifman had been unaccompanied by bodyguards at the time, a detail that perplexed those familiar with his routine.
Andre Traut, a spokesperson for the Western Cape SAPS, confirmed that an investigation is underway but refrained from releasing additional details.
Police have not yet confirmed the identities of the suspects or whether other individuals were involved in the attack.
Lifman’s death comes amid a series of high-profile disputes and legal battles, including a long-running defamation case against entrepreneur Randolf Jorberg.
Lifman recently sought damages from Jorberg, who had made public allegations against him concerning extortion and the murder of a doorman. Lifman’s lawyers contested these claims, citing a lack of direct evidence.
The saga surrounding Lifman’s ties to Cape Town’s club security scene and underworld conflicts has spanned years.
His influence, particularly in nightclub security circles, allegedly spurred rifts with other notable figures, leading to violent incidents and enduring court cases.
IOL News