On Sunday, the Garden Route Mall in George became the scene of a fatal shooting involving Mark Lifman, a prominent Cape underworld figure and businessman.

Lifman, who was a well-known figure in both business and alleged criminal circles, was gunned down in a parking lot, drawing significant attention from law enforcement and the public.

The incident took place just after 11:30 a.m., according to Western Cape police spokesperson Colonel André Traut.

He stated that Lifman, 57, was killed by unknown assailants who immediately fled the scene. “The circumstances of the incident are now the subject of a police investigation, and more information cannot be disclosed at this stage,” Traut explained, emphasizing that the investigation was in its early stages.

Photos of the crime scene circulated quickly on social media, showing a body draped in an emergency blanket, shielded by a police cordon. Police quickly took control of the area, focusing on gathering evidence and securing any possible leads on the attackers.

As of Sunday evening, however, no arrests had been made, and authorities remained tight-lipped about any potential motives or suspects involved in Lifman’s murder.

Lifman’s death came at a significant time, as he was scheduled to appear in the Western Cape High Court on Monday as part of the Brian Wainstein murder trial.

His connections to the trial and his history as a figure in the Cape underworld have led to questions surrounding the potential links between his upcoming court appearance and the fatal shooting. While speculation has circulated, police have not confirmed any connections between the events, remaining focused on the facts of the case at hand.

Sources within the police force, who spoke anonymously, confirmed that Lifman had been the victim in Sunday’s shooting, marking a high-profile death that has intensified attention on the ongoing issues with organized crime in the Western Cape.

Lifman was not only a businessman but also a highly controversial figure with a long-standing history of alleged involvement in various criminal networks. Over the years, his connections and dealings had drawn scrutiny and placed him under the watchful eye of law enforcement.

The murder has raised concerns about the reach and power of organized crime in South Africa, particularly in the Western Cape, where gang-related activities and underworld connections continue to influence public safety.

Lifman’s role in these networks, as well as his wealth and influence, meant that his death would send shockwaves through both the criminal and business communities.

For many, his murder represents an escalation in the ongoing struggle for power and control within South Africa’s underworld, hinting at a potential shift in alliances or a warning directed at others involved in similar dealings.

By Sunday night, as authorities continued to investigate, the Western Cape community and those following the case anxiously awaited updates. Lifman’s notoriety made him both a target and a symbol within the organized crime world, and his death underscores the complexity of managing crime and justice in a region plagued by entrenched criminal networks.

His upcoming court case and the abruptness of his murder underscore the danger and volatility that can accompany such figures.

The police have urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward, emphasizing that public cooperation could be crucial in solving the case.

As details emerge, authorities hope to uncover the motives and individuals responsible, though the likelihood of a complex investigation remains high given Lifman’s connections and background.

Lifman’s death adds yet another chapter to South Africa’s ongoing struggle with organized crime and its impact on communities and high-profile individuals alike. With many questions still unanswered, the public remains vigilant, awaiting further announcements from the police as they pursue justice for Mark Lifman.