State uses evidence to show Modack common denominator in Booth murder attempt

The prosecution team in the trial of alleged underworld gang boss, Nafiz Modack, and 14 others, on Thursday, used evidence to show how Modack was the common denominator in the attempted murder of criminal defence attorney, William Booth.

It is the State's case that Modack used at least three of his co-accused to orchestrate an attack on Booth in April 2020. 

Modack has continued to deny being the mastermind of the shooting at Booth's Higgovale home.

State prosecutor Greg Wolmarans on Thursday showed the court how Modack allegedly used co-accused Jacques Cronje, Ziyaad Poole, and Zane Kilian as instruments in a plot to murder Booth.

It is the State's case that Modack wanted Booth dead after the attorney used a protection order to prevent Modack from allegedly extorting money from one of Booth's clients.

During proceedings, Wolmarans made the following statement regarding the accused's roles: "The roles played by Cronje, Poole and Kilian show that all three of these individuals — your co-accused — were your instruments."

Modack's response was a denial:

"That's false, my lord."

Wolmarans told the court the evidence shows the actions of the accused were connected and that Modack was at the centre of the crimes they committed.