Mark Roy Lifman, born on May 19, 1967, built a reputation as one of Cape Town’s most notorious figures, leading a complex double life and death.
Publicly, Lifman called himself a businessman, but his empire extended far beyond legal boundaries. His name became synonymous with Cape Town’s organised crime, linked to illegal security operations, extortion rings, drug trafficking, and more.
Lifman’s powerful influence within the city’s underworld earned him respect and fear as he moved effortlessly between criminal circles and high society.
Mark Lifman Death
Lifman was shot dead on November 3, 2024. The incident occurred at the Garden Route Mall in George, Western Cape. Lifman was ambushed by gunmen wielding assault rifles as he walked towards his vehicle in the mall’s parking lot.
The assailants, who were driving a white VW Golf with cloned number plates, fired several shots at Lifman, killing him on the scene.
The police quickly responded and tracked the vehicle, leading to the arrest of two suspects in Uniondale.
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How It All Started
The Rise and Death of Mark Lifman [Image: Jaco Marais/Netwerk24]In his early years, Lifman cultivated a network that soon evolved into a criminal empire, allegedly stretching across multiple industries. One of his most infamous ventures was the private security company PPA, which many believe was established to monopolise security services in Sea Point.
The company’s origins trace back to Lifman’s days in property development, where he transformed his bouncer and extortion businesses into a “legitimate” security operation. Lifman’s tactics were allegedly coercive, with reports claiming he orchestrated fear campaigns by hiring gang members to stage break-ins and fuel insecurity, ultimately pushing residents to buy into his company’s protection.
Behind closed doors, however, Lifman’s record was far darker. Known for exploiting the city’s vulnerable homeless community, he reportedly used these individuals to monitor his properties and serve as scapegoats in criminal operations.
Former associates recall that any of his “boys” apprehended by local authorities were swiftly released, allegedly due to Lifman’s connections within the police force, suggesting a significant level of influence over law enforcement.
Mark Lifman: Troubles With The Law
Lifman’s criminal dealings did not go unnoticed. He faced various legal battles, including tax evasion and allegations of violent crimes, with his name frequently surfacing in Cape Town’s crime files.
Despite his tainted reputation, Lifman managed to embed himself in local communities, often blending in as a respected businessman while his network operated beneath the surface.