‘It was always about money’

“If the payments weren’t delivered, or if I didn’t cash the cheques for him, that was the end,” claims one source.

“There was always a threat if things didn’t go his way. And it would always be your job that was under threat. And no one ever doubted that they could be axed with the snap of his fingers,” another said.

“It was always about money. Money, money and more money.”

Staff were not the only victims. A number of sellers and buyers were also sitting on evidence, and were intimidated in the same manner, said a source who has signed an affidavit in support of his claim.

“He and his men told me not to take him on, and warned me not to go the newspapers because they are such powerful advertisers and can stop any story that would nail him.”

All that changed in December, however, when billionaire Wendy Appelbaum disputed the auction of Quoin Rock Estate wine estate, of which she was the winning bidder.

“I was not the winning bidder, but the sole bidder, and therefore bidding against myself,” Appelbaum said.

“That’s what I am disputing. Not the price, but the procedure, which has raised some very serious concerns.”

Last month Appelbaum lodged a complaint with the Consumer Protection Commission. Levitt responded by suing her for defamation earlier this month, a case that is now about to play out.

“But this is the case that was needed,” said one of the five insiders who have signed affidavits supporting their allegations, which hinge on reams of incriminating documents.