Public Works chief Macpherson says he won’t ‘negotiate’ with construction mafia

DURBAN – Minister for Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson says the construction mafia should not be confused with business forums.

The minister spoke at a press conference in Durban on Monday about plans to reclaim hijacked buildings in the city.

The briefing came after five men, accused of intimidating and disrupting a construction site, appeared in court.

READ: Ministry of Public Works calls on state to crack down on construction mafia

The minister said the groups, known for extorting government projects, would not be tolerated.

“You know, I get confused and frustrated when people say, well, these are business forums, not construction mafia gangs. These are people walking around with AK-47s, committing violence, murder, extortion.”

He said business forums did not hijack construction sites by force.

“These are not business forums or civil society organizations. They are well-armed, well-funded, intelligence-driven individuals who are terrorizing the state and communities. Therefore, I will not have any engagement, conversation or negotiation with them.”