Mark Lifman murder: Accused intend to plead not guilty

Update Video

GEORGE NEWS AND VIDEO - The bail application in the George Magistrate’s Court for the two men accused of murdering Cape Town underworld figure Mark Lifman (57) at the Garden Route Mall in George last year, was adjourned this afternoon, Thursday 16 January, until tomorrow.

Lifman was struck by five bullets in the parking lot of the Garden Route Mall while on his way to his vehicle, a blue Ford Raptor bakkie. He died at the scene.

He was allegedly visiting George to play golf with friends at Fancourt when he was gunned down.

As during their previous court appearance on 12 December, Johannes ‘Jakes’ Jacobs (53) and Gert ‘Johnny’ Bezuidenhout (37) were watched by a group of Lifman’s friends, including Jerome ‘Donkie’ Booysen, André Naudé, and Booysen’s son Joel.

At the end of today’s proceedings, as the courtroom emptied, Naudé taunted Bezuidenhout, saying, “Cheers, Johnny. Johnny sê bye. Johnny is ombeskof,” referring to his lack of response.

The courtroom was under tight security, with a strong police presence and heavily armed officers strategically positioned.

During today’s session, the affidavits of both accused were read into the record by their legal representative, prominent advocate Mike Hellens SC, who flew in from Johannesburg for the bail application. Hellens is known for handling high-profile cases.

WATCH: Lifman murder accused in court - bail application day 1

Both Jacobs and Bezuidenhout indicated they would plead not guilty to the charge of premeditated murder. They assured the court they would not leave the country or interfere with the investigation or witnesses.

Their passports have already been handed over to authorities.

The pair were arrested near Uniondale just hours after Lifman’s murder.

According to the state, Jacobs was driving the vehicle with Bezuidenhout as his passenger at the time of their arrest. It is also alleged that they were captured on CCTV footage at a farm outside George, changing the licence plates of the VW Polo they were using.

Jacobs was reportedly behind the wheel again when they left the farm in Geelhoutboom.

Both accused are former contractors for the security company Professional Protection Alternatives (PPA). The vehicle they were apprehended in, a VW Polo, had allegedly been fitted with cloned licence plates.

While the investigating officer’s affidavit was read into the record by the state prosecutor, the court also heard that, according to a statement from a car guard, Lifman shouted “no!” seconds before he was shot.

According to the car guard's statement, the moment he heard the 'white man' scream, he looked in that direction and heard several gunshots.

The shots he heard allegedly came from the direction of a parked white VW Polo.

The rear passenger window was slightly open. The car then sped off.

Among the people in the gallery were Jerome ‘Donkie’ Booysen, André Naudé, and Booysen’s son Joel.