Modack trial: Former Hawks officer to take stand as State’s third witness
Officer Nico Heerschap survived an attack on his life that was allegedly ordered by Modack in 2019.
Nafiz Modack (L) and 14 others face more than 100 charges for their alleged involvement in various crimes. They were in the Western Cape High Court again on 22 April 2024. Picture: Carlo Petersen/Eyewitness News
CAPE TOWN - A former Hawks officer and the State's third witness is expected to testify in the high-profile trial against alleged underworld kingpin, Nafiz Modack, and 14 co-accused in the Western Cape High Court.
Officer Nico Heerschap survived an attack on his life that was allegedly ordered by Modack in 2019.
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Police believe Heerschap's father, Nicholaas, was murdered in the hit in a case of mistaken identity.
Another State witness, who can only be identified as "Mr A", confessed to being the triggerman.
Mr A alleges he was hired by Modack to carry out a number of assignments, including to murder the Hawks officer, but mistakenly killed his father instead.
Heerschap will this week continue with his testimony, detailing to the court why Modack allegedly wanted to take him out.
Heerschap said on the day his father was killed, he was due in court to testify in a case involving one of Modack's bodyguards.
At the time, the senior officer was also investigating Modack's alleged involvement in an asset finance fraud scheme.
Heerschap said he tried to meet Modack to question him about a vehicle that was allegedly purchased illegally by one of his associates, but the accused drove away.
The gang trial continues in the Western Cape High Court on Monday.