Modack trial: Murder accused Kilian recalled to explain 'hitmen' text

Murder accused Zane Kilian will get an opportunity to account for allegedly organising three hitmen for alleged underworld gang boss, Nafiz Modack.

Kilian and Modack face charges of murder after top cop Charl Kinnear was shot dead five years ago.

The incident forms part of the 122 charges Modack and 14 others face in the Western Cape High Court.

Co-accused Zane Kilian's lawyer, advocate Pieter Nel, on Tuesday told the court he had filed notice for his client to reopen his case.

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Nel told the court Kilian, who has already testified, wants to account for allegations made against him during Nafiz Modack's cross-examination on Monday.

State prosecutor Greg Wolmarans used evidence taken from Kilian's phone to show he allegedly arranged three hitmen for Modack, in an apparent hit on top cop Charl Kinnear.

Nel told the court Kilian insists it was not hitmen, but rather three bodyguards he arranged for Modack's security.

Judge Robert Henney said he will allow Kilian to explain himself.

"He will have come and explain why he used the word hitmen and not bodyguards. There's a vast difference between a hitman and a bodyguard."

Wolmarans indicated the state has no objection to Kilian taking the stand again.