Minister of Public Works takes strong stand against construction mafias

Five alleged members of the construction mafia are due to appear in Camperdown Magistrates Court in KwaZulu-Natal on September 9, 2024, to face a bail application.

Their previous hearing was postponed last week due to a power outage in the courthouse.

The individuals were arrested last month for allegedly disrupting the construction of a bridge in uMsunduzi.

Extortionists are targeting projects in KwaZulu-Natal, demanding a share in the projects or protection costs.

In response to the escalating problem, Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson has spoken out strongly against construction mafias, insisting they must be confronted with the full force of the law.

“If there is criminal activity, we have to take people to court. They have to go to jail. We can’t give them money.

“That’s what’s happening now. We’re giving them money and hoping they’ll go away. We shouldn’t do that. We’re going to have a war and we have to win that war, because if we don’t, it’s South Africa that’s going to suffer.”

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