Public Works' Macpherson says he won't 'negotiate' with construction mafia
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson said he gets confused when people say construction mafia are business forums or community organisations, as they 'walk around with with AK-47s, commit violence, murder and extortion'.
Dean Macpherson. Picture: Facebook/DepartmentPublicWorksandinfrastructure
DURBAN - Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson says the construction mafia must not be mistaken for business forums.
The minister spoke at a media briefing in Durban on Monday, outlining plans to reclaim hijacked buildings in the city.
The briefing came after five men accused of intimidation and disturbance of a construction site appeared in court.
READ: Public Works Ministry calls on state to crack whip on construction mafia
The minister said the groups, known for extorting government projects would not be tolerated.
"You know I get confused and frustrated when people say well, they are business forums and not construction mafia - these are people who walk around with AK-47s, they commit violence, murder and extortion."
He said business forums did not forcefully hijack construction sites.
"These are not business forums or community organisations, these are well-armed, well-resourced and intelligence-driven individuals that are terrorising the state and communities, and so I will not have any engagement, talk or negotiate with them."