Nafiz Modack maintains innocence as marathon cross-examination concludes

The prosecution in the high-profile trial of alleged underworld gang boss, Nafiz Modack, wrapped up its lengthy cross-examination of the accused in the Western Cape High Court on Thursday.

Modack, who faces 122 charges for various crimes, has been under cross-examination for a total of 29 days. He is on trial alongside fourteen co-accused for allegedly operating a criminal enterprise.

Prosecutor Greg Wolmarans rested the State's case against Nafiz Modack after the nearly month-long cross-examination.

Wolmarans told the court that the State will argue Modack used Empire Investment Cars as a front company to launder money to pay his co-accused—those on trial—to commit crimes on his behalf.

Modack has pleaded not guilty to all 122 charges. He insists he is a victim of a conspiracy orchestrated by his alleged underworld rival, Jerome "Donkie" Booysen, and corrupt police officers.

Wolmarans: "During 2019 and 2020, you managed a criminal enterprise."

Modack: "That's not true, my Lord."

Wolmarans: "You indulged in crimes ranging from murders, multiple murders, attempted murders, corruption, money laundering."

Modack: "That's not true, my Lord."

The matter will return to court in January next year for Modack's re-examination to proceed.