At the helm: the strong arm of extortion in Gauteng

Gauteng, the economic heart of South Africa, is facing a disturbing wave of organized extortion. Extortion, once sporadic, has now become a pervasive and systemic threat across multiple industries. This report exposes the depth of this criminal economy and the actors driving it.

In the construction industry, criminal groups – commonly referred to as the “construction mafia” – violently claim stakes in major projects, crippling the development of critical infrastructure. The situation is equally dire in township economies, where gangs levy protection fees on businesses, exploiting both the formal and informal sectors.

The study also highlights how extortion has infiltrated the water supply chain, with organized crime groups controlling access and manipulating shortages to make profits. Similarly, Gauteng’s transport sector, particularly the taxi industry, has seen violence and extortion escalate, with rival groups fighting for dominance over routes and commuters caught up in the unrest.

Our report highlights the four main racketeering economies in Gauteng – construction, township enterprises, water and transport – and the factors that have allowed them to flourish. It provides a roadmap for tackling the extortion crisis and provides clear recommendations for dismantling these criminal networks and restoring security to affected communities.

Subscribe to the GI-TOC East and Southern Africa mailing list to stay informed about our upcoming publications and initiatives.