Construction can’t be ‘captured’ by extortion gangs - Zikalala
Deputy Minister of Public and Infrastructure Sihle Zikalala has lauded the police for the inroads made in combatting extortion.
Construction sites and other businesses have been terrorised by gangs demanding so-called protection fees to continue to operate.
This week, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu unveiled a inter-governmental strategy aimed at rooting out extortion in four provinces Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, and Eastern Cape, which account for 73% of the crime.
The plan includes bolstering intelligence efforts and collaborating with local and provincial authorities.
Zikalala spoke at the Master Builders South Africa conference in Gqeberha on Friday.
“While supporting economic transformation, fighting the exploitation that characterises subcontracting, and eliminating late payments,” he said.
"We must equally be steadfast that we cannot allow an important sector like construction to be captured by dangerous criminals who do not hesitate to take lives to get what they want.
"The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure will continue working with stakeholders to support community facilitation and to prevent disruptions at sites," he added.
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