Wainstein murder trial: Witness ruled unfit to testify

CAPE TOWN - Murdered steroid king, Brian Wainstein's former bodyguard has been deemed medically unfit to testify in a high-profile case against alleged underworld figures. 

The bodyguard, who can only be identified as 'Mister X' - had been testifying as the State's main witness in the case against slain underworld kingpin Mark Lifman and his co-accused.

Mister X has implicated Lifman, Jerome 'Donkie' Booysen, Andre Naude and 12 others in Wainstein's murder. 

The State on Monday informed the court Mister X underwent medical consultations with a psychiatrist, who deemed the witness unfit to testify until 2 December.

READ: Court receives Mark Lifman's death certificate, case against Booysen, Naude to continue

In the weeks leading up to Lifman's death in George on Sunday last week, Mister X told the court he was suffering from severe anxiety while recounting his involvement in Wainstein's murder. 

Mister X has admitted to betraying Wainstein by helping to plot the murder allegedly on behalf of Lifman, Booysen and Naude. 

The State told the court that Lifman's murder had triggered Mister X's condition and worsened his anxiety related to the case. 

Defence lawyer for Booysen and Naude, advocate Amanda Nel has called for an inquiry to establish whether Mister X can proceed as a witness. 

Judge Vincent Saldanha instructed the State to gather more psychiatric information on why Mister X can only return to court in December.