Judge questions State's use of evidence related to slain nightclub security bosses, Lifman, Naude
Judge Vincent Saldanha has asked the State to justify using evidence against co-accused Mark Lifman and Andre Naude, who, along with three others, have been killed since the start of the trial.
FILE: Slain nightclub security boss, Andre Naude. Picture: Kayleen Morgan/Eyewitness News
CAPE TOWN - The judge in a high-profile murder trial involving alleged underworld figures has raised concerns about evidence related to two of the accused who are now deceased.
Judge Vincent Saldanha has asked the State to justify using evidence against co-accused Mark Lifman and Andre Naude, who, along with three others, have been killed since the start of the trial.
Alleged underworld gang boss, Jerome Booysen, and 16 others face a slew of charges related to the murder of "Steroid king" Brian Wainstein in 2017.
READ: Trial-within-a-trial in trial of Jerome ‘Donkie’ Booysen and others continues
Security at the Western Cape High Court was beefed up on Tuesday following the murders of co-accused Mark Lifman and Andre Naude, who were shot dead in separate incidents in recent months.
Judge Vincent Saldanha on Tuesday warned State prosecutor Nathan Adriaanse about presenting evidence related to slain nightclub security bosses, Lifman and Naude.
Saldanha told Adriaanse the State would have to address the court about how it intends dealing with evidence related to the two as they are no longer alive to defend themselves.
Adriaanse indicated the prosecution team would be ready with an argument.
"Hopefully, we'll be able to persuade the court as to why there should be weight attached to it when the time comes for the argument to take place."
The trial continues.