Alleged Cape Town Underworld Boss Nafiz Modack
Alleged Cape Town underworld boss Nafiz Modack has been sentenced to seven years for bribing a police brigadier, following his conviction for paying R146,000 to secure special treatment and protect his assets in ongoing investigations.
Court Hands Down Effective Seven-Year Term in Corruption Case
The Cape Town Regional Court delivered its verdict on Friday, 19 September 2025, sentencing 44-year-old Nafiz Modack to a total of ten years in prison for corruption. However, three years of the sentence were suspended for a period of five years, meaning he will serve an effective seven years behind bars. The court also declared Modack unfit to possess a firearm, adding to the penalties for his unlawful actions.   
This ruling comes after Modack’s conviction on 6 June 2025, where he was found guilty of engaging in corrupt activities with former senior police officer Brigadier Kolindren Govender. The case stemmed from an in-depth probe by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation unit, which uncovered a scheme of bribery and undue influence within law enforcement circles.   
Modack, often described as a key figure in Cape Town’s underworld, paid Govender a total of R146,000 in gratification. In return, he received preferential treatment, including protection from asset seizures that could have advanced other probes into his alleged illegal operations. This arrangement highlighted a troubling breach of trust in the police ranks, where personal gain overshadowed duty.   
Details of the Bribery Scheme and Its Impact
The corruption centred on Modack’s efforts to shield his Mercedes-Benz vehicle, which was at the heart of an investigation handled by Cape Town Central SAPS. Govender, using his position, stepped in to block cooperation between an officer from the SAPS Paarl Vehicle Identification Section and the investigating team. This interference ensured the car was never seized, allowing Modack to evade further scrutiny at the time.   
“Modack acted with common purpose by paying gratification totalling R146,000 to Govender in return for special treatment,” explained a Hawks spokesperson. This statement underscores how the duo’s dealings not only protected Modack’s assets but also hindered the broader flow of justice, potentially delaying other cases linked to his activities.  
Govender had already pleaded guilty in the matter and received his own sentence prior to Modack’s trial. His actions as a high-ranking officer amplified the severity of the corruption, showing how internal collusion can undermine public safety efforts against organised crime.  
Modack’s Broader Legal Troubles and Underworld Ties
This corruption sentence is just one chapter in Modack’s extensive legal battles. He remains a central suspect in the high-profile murder of Anti-Gang Unit detective Lieutenant-Colonel Charl Kinnear, who was gunned down outside his home in Bishop Lavis in September 2020. Modack was arrested in April 2021 alongside 14 others in connection with this assassination, as well as attempted murders and extortion charges.  
The Kinnear case has drawn widespread attention, revealing alleged gang rivalries and attempts to intimidate law enforcement. Modack and his co-accused face over 3,000 charges in total, including racketeering, money laundering, and illegal ammunition possession. The trial for these matters is ongoing in the Western Cape High Court, where evidence includes claims of Modack’s involvement in a turf war with rival groups like the Terrible Josters and Sexy Boys gangs.  
Modack’s reputation as an alleged kingpin stems from his purported control over nightclub security and protection rackets in Cape Town. Investigations have linked him to violent incidents, including the 2017 attempted hit on Hawks officer Lieutenant-Colonel Kinnear and the murder of tow truck operator Richard Joseph. His arrest followed a massive police operation involving over 700 officers, signalling a crackdown on organised crime in the region.  
Hawks’ Role in Uncovering the Corruption
The breakthrough in the corruption case came through meticulous work by the Hawks, South Africa’s elite crime-fighting unit. Their Serious Corruption Investigation team pieced together evidence of the payments and interference, leading to Govender’s guilty plea and Modack’s eventual conviction. This success demonstrates the ongoing efforts to root out graft within the police service, where such alliances can erode public confidence.   
The spokesperson for the Hawks emphasised the importance of this outcome, noting it sends a clear message against bribing officials. By preventing the vehicle’s seizure, Govender’s actions not only aided Modack but also obstructed justice in related probes, potentially allowing criminal networks to continue operating unchecked.  
Implications for Fighting Organised Crime in Cape Town
Modack’s sentencing marks a significant win in the battle against Cape Town’s entrenched gang culture, which has plagued communities with violence and extortion. The city has seen a surge in gang-related killings, with over 800 murders linked to such conflicts between 2010 and 2020 alone. Cases like this highlight how corruption in law enforcement exacerbates these issues, allowing figures like Modack to thrive.  
Community leaders and anti-crime activists have welcomed the sentence, though some argue it is too lenient given Modack’s alleged role in more serious crimes. The suspension of part of the term means he could be out sooner if he behaves well in prison, raising concerns about future threats.  
As Modack begins his time behind bars, attention turns to his other trials. The Kinnear murder case, in particular, could expose deeper networks of influence and violence. For ordinary residents, this development offers hope that accountability is possible, even for those who seem untouchable.  
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