MEC Meyer calls for swift action against construction mafia

KwaZulu-Natal Minister of Works and Infrastructure Martin Meyer praised police for recent arrests in connection with the Pietermaritzburg construction mafia. He urged that those convicted receive lengthy sentences.

Five men, aged between 28 and 44, appeared in Camperdown Magistrates Court on Monday after being arrested in Pietermaritzburg over the weekend.

They are accused of intimidation and disrupting a construction site, specifically disrupting work on a bridge in Pietermaritzburg.

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According to Colonel Robert Netshiunda, spokesperson for the KZN police, the arrests were made by the Provincial Reaction Task Team, which was set up to tackle the activities of the construction mafia.

Police responded to reports of a group causing disruption at a bridge construction site in Msunduzi.

“Upon arrival, five suspects were arrested and charged with intimidation and disturbance of the premises,” Netshiunda said.

The swift police response was praised by MEC Meyer, who has been actively involved in dealing with disruptions at construction sites. Meyer had visited one of eight sites in Pietermaritzburg last Thursday following similar disruptions.

Public Works spokesman Steve Bhengu said: “At this time it is unclear whether these arrests are related to the recent disturbances at other locations in the area.”

MEC Meyer stressed the importance of law enforcement and judicial cooperation to ensure successful prosecutions. He urged the courts to send a strong message about the serious impact these disruptions have on communities in need of services.

“This latest arrest shows that we are making progress in the fight against those who seek to illegally disrupt construction projects designed to benefit local communities. Such actions hinder progress and deprive residents of essential services and infrastructure,” Meyer said.

Speaking at the Women in Construction Summit in Pietermaritzburg on Monday, Meyer said he had met with the civil engineering sector negotiating council last week.

They expressed concerns about the ongoing coordinated disruptions and have urgently requested cooperation from law enforcement.

“However, they still face major challenges and have asked me for help,” he said.

Meyer required his office to participate in monthly meetings aimed at better coordination using advanced technology and law enforcement cooperation.

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On Tuesday, Meyer will meet with the Black Business Forum, which has been vocal in its opposition to construction-related disruptions. The meeting will be held behind closed doors due to the sensitive nature of the discussions.