Mark Lifman: All is known about the late businessman and alleged Cape Town underworld figure
Mark Lifman was once one of South Africa's well-known and controversial businessmen. He amassed his wealth through investments in various sectors, including property development, horse racing, nightclubs, and fashion. However, in recent years, his fortune has been scrutinized due to multiple legal battles, particularly regarding allegations of tax evasion.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The renowned businessman had numerous court cases and varying charges. Lifman was shot dead in November 2024. His personal life was shrouded in mystery, with very little information known about his roots, family, or children.
Profile summary
| Full name | Mark Roy Lifman |
| Gender | Male |
| Date of birth | May 19, 1965 |
| Age | 59 years old (at the time of his death) |
| Zodiac | Taurus |
| Place of birth | South Africa |
| Current residence | Cape Town, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Eye colour | Brown |
| Hair colour | Blond |
| Marital status | Married |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Net worth | R100 million |
Mark Lifman's biography
The South African businessman was born on May 19, 1967. Not much else is known about Mark Lifman's family or place of birth. He attended Sea Point Boys High School and then served in the military for a short while.
Mark Lifman's latest news
Mark Lifman was assassinated on November 3, 2024, outside the Garden Route Mall in George, Western Cape. The shooting, described as a targeted hit, occurred in broad daylight.
Two suspects with ties to the security and protection industry, including a former member of the Special Task Force, were arrested and charged with premeditated murder.
In a Facebook post shared by Mandy Wiener on November 3, 2024, she reflected on her 2017 interview with the businessman, recalling how she had sensed that time was already running out for Mark Lifman back then, yet he remained untroubled. Lifman told her:
I want to see a better Cape Town; I’m not the drug dealer or the criminal they’re trying to make me out in the press. If I was a criminal, why have they never convicted me of drug dealing, extortion, racketeering? People ask how I’ve made so much money; my money has been made in property.
I submitted my tax returns. I don’t let things get me down. I’m very angry about things because I believe people like this should’ve been dealt with long ago. There might be people out there who believe that I should’ve been dealt with long ago.
Source: Original
When was Mark Lifman's funeral?
Slain underworld kingpin Mark Lifman was quietly laid to rest by his family in a private ceremony on Thursday, November 7, 2024. His close associates, including Jerome 'Donkie' Booysen and Andre Naude, were reportedly stunned upon hearing of his burial that same day.
According to the Independent Online (IOL), a source said,
Absolutely nobody knew or was invited to his funeral. His two sisters came to identify his body in the week and on Thursday they just held a private ceremony without anyone knowing. Not even his closest friends like Donkie or Andre knew anything and they were very shocked and disappointed as they were not given the chance to say goodbye.
Mark was unmarried and didn't have children and was laid to rest at the Jewish Cemetery in Pinelands alongside his parents' graves. Nobody knows why this decision was taken, but it is understood that not even his legal team were invited to the funeral.
Who are Mark Lifman's killers?
The alleged killers of controversial Mark Lifman, the Cape Town businessman, are Johannes Hendrik Jacobs and Gert Johannes Bezuidenhout. They were arrested in Uniondale, about an hour from George, shortly after his killing.
Their bail hearing was postponed to January 16 and 17, 2025. The court also heard that Jacobs and Bezuidenhout had been transferred to an undisclosed prison for safety reasons.
Mark Lifman's businesses
Lifman established himself as one of the most prolific, albeit controversial, businessmen in South Africa. One of his earliest businesses was in the South African fashion industry. He reportedly used his powerful connections to make inroads into the industry, eventually becoming one of its significant players.
Mark was also a huge investor in the horse racing business. He is said to breed some of the best racing horses in South Africa. Considering how lucrative the horse racing business is, it is safe to say Lifman was making quite a fortune.
The businessman also had an interest in South Africa's vibrant nightclub business. Still, the scene has often attracted criticism for its connection to shady underground deals.
Mark's involvement with the nightclub industry often led to accusations of his part in the country's organized crime gangs.
Controversies
Source: UGC
Lifman is no stranger to controversy. Over the past few years, he had been charged with murder, tax evasion, blackmail, and extortion. Here is a look at some of his most controversial moments.
2019 tax evasion charges
In 2019, the businessman clashed with the South African Revenue Service (SARS). The taxman alleged that Lifman had refused to pay outstanding taxes of R388 million. The businessman stated that, given his entire net worth, it was not possible for him to owe such an amount.
The tax evasion case dragged on, with Lifman eventually losing. The court directed the SARS to seize Mark Lifman's holdings and properties and auction them to recover the outstanding charges. Mark moved to the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) to have his case heard and determined again.
The Supreme Court of Appeal upheld the initial decision, forcing the seizure and sale of Mark Lifman's cars and other properties. The case between the SARS and Lifman is still far from over, with the business recently suggesting a plan that would benefit both parties.
Still, the court had ruled that Mark Lifman's properties seized during the operation could never be returned to the businessman.
Gun-pointing charges
In 2018, Lifman was arrested and charged with pointing his gun at a civilian during an event in March 2017. The businessman was arrested at an airport and taken to the Bellville Magistrate's Court to answer the charges.
Mark Liftman's bodyguards stood outside the court during the proceedings, ready for 'whatever would happen.'
Source: UGC
What is Mark Lifman's net worth?
During his run-in with the SARS, Lifman stated that it was impossible to owe the taxman more than R300 million, considering his entire net worth was about R100 million. Still, his actual net worth remains unknown.
Who is Mark Lifman's wife?
The nature of the businessman's family life remains mysterious. There is barely any information regarding Mark Lifman's children, wife, or parentage.
FAQs
- Who is Mark Lifman? He was a South African businessman associated with organized crime in Cape Town.
- When was Mark Lifman born? He was born on May 19, 1965. He was 59 years old at the time of his death.
- How did Mark Lifman die? He was shot and killed outside the Garden Route Mall in George, Western Cape, in what has been described as a targeted assassination.
- Where is Mark Lifman's house located? The businessman lived in Fresnaye, Cape Town and had multiple properties in and around Cape Town.
- Who are Mark Lifman's sisters? The South African businessman reportedly has two sisters whose names are unknown.
Mark Lifman has to be among the country's most controversial businessmen. His frequent charges, run-ins with the law, and tax evasions amounting to hundreds of millions of rands tainted his picture over the years, painting him as a cagey businessperson.
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Priscillah Mueni (Lifestyle writer) Priscillah Mueni is a lifestyle and entertainment content creator with more than 4 years of experience. She graduated from Meru University of Science and Technology with a Bachelor of Technology in Civil Engineering in 2019. In 2023, Priscillah finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. She has been writing articles on Briefly.co.za since 2019. Email: pshmueni@gmail.com
Jackline Wangare (Lifestyle writer) Jackline Simwa is a content writer at Briefly.co.za, where she has worked since mid-2021. She tackles diverse topics, including finance, entertainment, sports, and lifestyle. Previously, she worked at The Campanile by Kenyatta University. She has more than five years in writing. Jackline graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics (2019) and a Diploma in Marketing (2015) from Kenyatta University. In 2023, Jackline finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques and Google News Initiative course in 2024. Email: simwajackie2022@gmail.com.
