Why Mark Lifman’s Story Matters
Have you ever thought about how nightclub security can turn into serious crime. The story of Mark Lifman helps explain this. It is not just a crime story it shows how organized crime works in Cape Town. It also talks about how some police may have helped.
Business Ventures And Allegations In Cape Town
Mark Lifman (1965–2024) lived in Cape Town. He had businesses in nightclub security and real estate. But many people did not trust him or his business.
Protection Racket Claims
Some reports said Lifman was part of a group that forced bars and restaurants on Long Street to pay money for “protection.” One popular place, Beerhouse, closed down in August 2024 after this pressure.
Underworld Ties And Turf Wars
Experts said some private security companies, like PPS, worked like gangs in the Cape Flats. Lifman helped fund PPS.
Legal Battles: Extortion, Murder, And Defamation
Beerhouse Lawsuit (2024)
Lifman took Beerhouse owner Randolph Jorberg to court. He said Jorberg lied about him and asked for R500,000, then raised it to R1 million. Lifman also tried to take Jorberg’s property in Green Point. Jorberg had said Lifman was behind the 2015 killing of a nightclub bouncer named Joe-Louis Kanyona.
Co‑Accused: ‘Steroid King’ Murder (2017)
Lifman was also charged for the murder of Brian “Steroid King” Wainstein in 2017. He was not alone—others were charged too. He got bail and was due in court again on 4 November 2024.
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Assassination In George November 2024
On 3 November 2024, someone shot and killed Lifman outside Garden Route Mall in George, Western Cape. Two people were arrested. One of them used to work in the police’s Special Task Force. They went to court in George on 5 November.
There were rumors that someone had offered R10 million to kill Lifman.
Shifting Organized Crime Dynamics
Lifman’s death changed things in the criminal world in Cape Town.
Power Vacuum Alert
Experts said now that Lifman was gone, other people might try to take over the protection rackets he was part of.
Security Sector Collusion
There were also reports that some private security companies worked with gangs. They may have used guns taken from criminals—even after Lifman died.
Conclusion
“Mark Lifman’s” life Shows a bigger Story. He rose to Power through shady Deals, And His Death Shows the danger Of “Cape Town’s” hidden crime world. In this world, Businesses can Look legal but work like Gangs. Lifman’s story Is part of the fight For power In the city’s underworld after Apartheid.