By Phenyo Seinda
Cape Town, South Africa – Deputy President Paul Mashatile has confirmed that the South African Police Service (SAPS) is making significant strides in tackling the so-called “construction mafia” that has been wreaking havoc across the country’s construction sector. Through a coordinated, multi-disciplinary approach, SAPS aims to curb extortion and violence at construction sites, especially in areas like KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, where these criminal activities have been particularly severe.
Addressing Members of Parliament (MPs) in the National Assembly, Mashatile reaffirmed that investigative capacity has been bolstered to counter the rise of extortion and intimidation in the construction industry. “Murderous construction mafia have brought many companies to their knees, and we must fight back to safeguard this industry,” he declared, highlighting the severe economic consequences these groups have inflicted .
Strategic Plans and Partnerships
The government has launched a series of initiatives aimed at dismantling the criminal networks behind construction site disruptions. These include the National Infrastructure Plan, the Critical Infrastructure Programme, and the Infrastructure Built Anti-Corruption Forum (IBACF). The IBACF, which has been operational since 2020, plays a crucial role in monitoring infrastructure projects and preventing corruption through close collaboration with various sectors of society, including civil society and state-owned entities .
In addition, the Social Facilitation Concept, a Cabinet-approved initiative, is currently being piloted through projects such as the Salvokop Precinct Strategic Infrastructure Project. This concept aims to integrate social facilitation into construction practices, providing a framework for collaboration and transparency .
Construction Mafia’s Impact on Economic Growth
Mashatile did not mince his words when discussing the broader implications of construction mafia activities on South Africa’s economic growth. “We cannot overlook the issues endangering our economy, particularly in the construction sector,” he told MPs, adding that the presence of these criminal organisations poses a direct threat to the country’s infrastructure development goals . As the government strives to meet the objectives outlined in the National Development Plan 2030, such disruptions undermine progress and delay vital infrastructure projects that are essential for economic growth and job creation .
Community Involvement and Law Enforcement
A critical component of the government’s strategy is the call for greater community involvement. Mashatile urged businesses, organisations, and individuals to collaborate with law enforcement in reporting and exposing the perpetrators behind these crimes. He acknowledged that many of these crimes remain underreported due to fear and intimidation, further complicating efforts to hold these criminal groups accountable .
At the same time, the government has pledged to intensify its crime intelligence operations. SAPS is working with private security firms, state-owned entities, and other stakeholders to ensure that the criminal bosses behind these extortion schemes are apprehended, prosecuted, and have their proceeds of crime seized .
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