Construction mafia suspects accused of extortion

Five men appeared in court on Monday on extortion charges as the government continues to crack down on construction mafia syndicates.

The men, aged between 28 and 44, were arrested last week in Pietermaritzburg for causing disruption during bridge construction.

They appeared at Camperdown Magistrate’s Court on charges of extortion. Their case was adjourned until September 4 for formal bail applications.

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

Police had responded to reports of a group causing disturbances at a bridge construction site in Msunduzi. “Upon arrival, five suspects were arrested and charged with intimidation and disturbance,” he said.

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure, Martin Meyer, praised the swift action by police, saying: “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.”

READ ALSO | Five arrests for mafia activities in construction sector in uMsunduzi

To address the ongoing disruptions in the province’s construction sector, MEC Meyer held a closed meeting with the Black Business Federation (BBF) in Durban.

The meeting focused on improving relations and addressing concerns about alleged mafia-style activity on construction sites.

BBF President Malusi Zondi distanced the federation from such illegal activities, condemned all forms of violence and stressed that job creation and opportunities must be done within the law.

The BBF also highlighted the rise of unregulated rogue forums abusing the system and expressed support for closer cooperation with the provincial government.

READ ALSO | Public Works MEC negotiates with ‘construction mafia’ in Umlazi

Zondi proposed creating a database of controlled forums and fostering closer cooperation with the Ministry of Public Works.