State uses cellphone evidence, witness testimonies to implicate Modack as mastermind behind attempted murder on Booth

State prosecutors on Monday presented a timeline of events and circumstantial evidence to place alleged underworld gang boss, Nafiz Modack, at the center of the attempted murder of prominent attorney William Booth five years ago.

Modack and 14 co-accused face 122 charges, including the attempted murder of Booth, which occurred at the lawyer's Higgovale home in April 2020.

State prosecutor Greg Wolmarans used cellphone evidence and witness testimonies to implicate Modack as the alleged mastermind.

The prosecution highlighted that co-accused Zane Kilian began profusely pinging Booth’s cellphone shortly after another accused, Jacques Cronjé, was arrested.

Cronjé was arrested for kidnapping and intimidation following a criminal complaint lodged by Booth.

This complaint stemmed from an alleged extortion attempt involving one of Booth's clients.

Wolmarans presented the timing to Modack.

"This is all within 24 hours of Cronjé's arrest. Is that timing all just a coincidence?"

Modack responded by denying any instruction to track the attorney

"I can't answer that, my lord, because I didn't give instructions to ping him, my lord."

Modack insists that Kilian was part of a conspiracy against him orchestrated by his alleged underworld rival, Jerome "Donkie" Booysen, and corrupt police officials.