‘Construction mafias’ costing economy R68bn, Zikalala reveals
Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Sihle Zikalala has revealed that “construction mafias” have thus far cost the economy more than R68 billion.
The “construction mafias” are groups that disrupt government building projects and demand money before allowing construction to continue.
They are especially prevalent in KwaZulu-Natal.
Zikalala delivered the keynote address at the Big Five Africa Construction Summit in Midrand on Tuesday.
“According to the Global Initiative against Transnational Organised Crime report, the disruption and blockages of construction sites cost the economy over R68 billion before the pandemic in 186 projects,” Zikalala said.
As part of efforts to curb these types of crimes, Zikalala said he has set up an organised crime unit in conjunction with Police Minister Bheki Cele.
“Working with the minister of police, the government has established organised crime investigative, detective services to ensure that we deal with the construction mafia.”
At least 682 cases related to extortion at construction sites have been opened with law enforcement agencies.
Zikalala said this has led to the arrest of more than 700 suspects
“Police have made 702 arrests but what we want is to see prosecution and people being sentenced. Therefore we’ll see more collaboration to decidedly deal with the issue of construction mafias.”
ALSO READ:
