The ongoing Nafiz Modack trial for the murder of top cop Charl Kinnear was back at the Western Cape High Court, where the court continued to cross-examine co-accused Yannick Adonis with messages and call recordings. Modack, Adonis, and 13 others are facing multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit murder, racketeering, fraud, and money laundering. The trial has been examining evidence presented by the state, which allegedly links Adonis and others to the planned attack on Kinnear.
State prosecutor Greg Wolmarans questioned Adonis about phone records and messages that, according to the state, implicate him in the alleged attack. It is alleged that Adonis and Amaal Jantjies planned an unsuccessful attack on slain police officer Charl Kinnear on behalf of Nafiz Modack. Wolmarans presented evidence that Jantjies was involved in efforts to acquire a firearm and hand grenade, and that Adonis was aware of these efforts.
According to evidence presented in court, Jantjies spoke to “Musa”, who was alleged to facilitate the acquisition of firearms. Wolmarans referred to calls and WhatsApp messages exchanged on 21 and 22 November, two days before the alleged hand-grenade attack on Kinnear in 2019. Adonis admitted to having conversations with Jantjies on both days about the alleged job.
Hand grenade evidence was examined in court, with Wolmarans arguing that Adonis and Jantjies were acting with the same objective in relation to the alleged attack. Adonis alleged that he did not know who the person was through whom Jantjies tried to obtain the hand grenade. However, Adonis admitted to knowing about the firearm acquisition but claimed he did not know about the alleged attempt to acquire a hand grenade.
WhatsApp evidence shown in court allegedly indicated that Jantjies suggested using a petrol bomb if they could not acquire a hand grenade, but Adonis declined. Wolmarans argued that the cellphone records, calls, and messages indicated that Adonis and Jantjies were acting with the same objective in relation to the alleged attack. Adonis has denied knowing about Nafiz Modack’s alleged plan to kill Kinnear on that day.
The trial continues in the Western Cape High Court, with further evidence expected to be heard. Nafiz Modack and his co-accused face serious charges, including VAT fraud and racketeering. The case has garnered significant attention due to its alleged connections to organized crime and the underworld.
The Modack trial has experienced delays, including a recent postponement due to Judge Robert Henney being booked off sick. The trial's progression is being closely watched, with many awaiting the outcome of the case and its potential implications for organized crime in South Africa.
Key points
- The trial continues with the examination of cellphone evidence and witness testimony.
- Yannick Adonis was questioned about his involvement in the alleged attack on Charl Kinnear.
- The state presented evidence of calls and WhatsApp messages exchanged between Adonis and Jantjies.
