Mark Lifman murder: Accused back in the dock in August

Update

GEORGE NEWS - The two men accused of the brazen murder of alleged underworld kingpin Mark Lifman made a brief appearance in the George Regional Court today, Tuesday 1 July.

Gert Bezuidenhout and Johannes Jacobs stand accused of gunning down Lifman in cold blood in the parking lot of the Garden Route Mall on Sunday 3 November 2024.

According to police reports, Lifman was shot multiple times as he exited the mall and walked toward his blue Ford Ranger bakkie. Emergency services declared him dead on the scene.

Bezuidenhout and Jacobs were arrested earlier this year following an intensive investigation led by the Western Cape’s anti-gang and organised crime units.

The authorities have remained tight-lipped about the possible motive, but sources close to the investigation suggest the murder could be linked to ongoing turf wars between rival criminal factions.

Both accused appeared composed in court, flanked by members of the Public Order Police Unit.

They have been charged with murder, the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition and conspiracy to commit a crime.

Johannes Jacobs in court earlier this year.

The matter was postponed to 25 August for a pre-trial conference, where procedural matters such as the readiness of the state and defence, possible plea agreements and the setting of a trial date will be discussed. They will remain in custody until their next court appearance.

On Thursday 12 June, seven months after Lifman was gunned down, his business partner and friend, André Naudé, was also murdered in Parow. Naudé was declared dead on the scene.

Gert Bezuidenhout during a previous court appearance in the George Magistrate's Court. Photos: Kristy Kolberg