Nafiz Modack Trial: Prosecutors Continue Cross-Examination Of Ziyaad Poole

Cross-examination of alleged underworld fixer Ziyaad Poole is expected to continue on Wednesday in the ongoing trial involving alleged Cape Town underworld figure Nafiz Modack.

The State alleges that Poole played a central role in Modack’s criminal enterprise by helping coordinate gang-related killings in Cape Town.

Prosecutors claim Poole received payments from a company linked to Modack to assist in planning multiple murders.

State Alleges Ziyaad Poole Received Payments For Murder Plots

The court heard that bank records showed Poole received more than R200 000 from Empire Investment Cars, a company the State alleges was used by Modack to launder money linked to criminal activities.

According to prosecutors, the payments were connected to plans to carry out at least three murders between March 2019 and September 2020.

The State further alleges that Modack paid Poole to source a hitman and help organise targeted killings.

Ziyaad Poole Denies Knowledge Of Alleged Criminal Payments

During cross-examination, Poole denied knowing that the payments were linked to Modack or criminal activities.

He maintained that he believed the money came from the late Andre Fabing, who he claims employed him as a driver.

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“Can I say something? In 2019, I didn’t know about Empire,” Poole told the court.

State prosecutor Greg Wolmarans responded: “You didn’t even know?”

“I didn’t know,” Poole replied.

Cross-Examination Set To Continue In Nafiz Modack Trial

The State is expected to continue challenging Poole’s version of events when proceedings resume.

The high-profile trial remains one of the most closely watched organised crime cases in South Africa, with prosecutors alleging the existence of a criminal network tied to extortion, gang violence and murder.

Poole continues to deny wrongdoing.