KZN news flashes: Construction mafia sends bullet to project manager

Sihle Mavuso presents the latest news from KwaZulu-Natal.

Umlazi – A construction mafia gang attempted to halt the R37 million upgrade of Menzi High School in Umlazi by threatening the project manager with a bullet in an envelope. They demanded 30% of the project funds without doing anything. Due to disruptions by the mafia, the project, which was due to be completed in December this year, has been delayed until March 2025.

Durban – ActionSA has expressed concern after Deputy Finance Minister David Masondo told parliament that neither the National Treasury nor the KZN government have any plans to fund Ithala SOC Ltd. The party fears that Ithala customers could face similar problems to those of the failed VBS bank.

Estcourt – The seventh member of the Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) party to die in a car crash near Nkandla will be buried this weekend. The accident, which occurred three weeks ago, also claimed the life of the mother of victim Thembisile Mazibuko. Her funeral has been postponed due to ongoing DNA tests on the badly burned bodies.

Drakensberg Mountains – The South African Weather Service has warned of snow and very cold weather in parts of KZN this weekend. Towns that could be affected include Kokstad, Bergville, Winterton, Ladysmith, Newcastle and Vryheid near the Drakensberg Mountains.

eThekwini – The eThekwini Municipality continues to demolish makeshift shelters built by homeless people and drug addicts in the city centre as part of an effort to improve public safety and cleanliness ahead of the festive season, particularly in areas such as the market district and Albert Park, where drug activity is prevalent.

Pictured above: the stalled Menzi High School project in Umlazi.

Source: Supplied