Close to R1bn spent over last 5 years to secure sites targeted by construction mafia - WC MEC Simmers
Close to a billion rand has been spent over the past five years to secure sites targeted by the construction mafia in the Western Cape.
Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers. Picture: @Min_TSimmers/X
CAPE TOWN - Close to a billion rand has been spent over the past five years to secure sites targeted by the construction mafia in the Western Cape.
That's according to Infrastructure MEC Tertuis Simmers, who indicated that the projects, worth almost R400 million, had been delayed by as much as three years as a result of extortion that seems to be escalating across the country.
He said that they had tried to address the scourge with tactical and monitoring units.
"As a department, we can't use close to a billion rand for the next five years. One does need to call now on the community who is supposed to benefit from these projects, to start assisting in investigations."
Simmers said that some extortionists were known in communities.
"Many of these elements and individuals who do extortion live in these communities, many of them are known and what the investigating officers are now asking is, come forward, you may remain anonymous. Through my department there is a contact number which you can contact us on just to giveus certain details."
Simmers said that the worst acts of violence had been experienced at the Aiport Infills projects.
"They've also severely injured a number of workers on site, shooting them sadly. Then we have also seen attempts on other sites under the guise of your business forums, blocking projects, demanding 30 percent, demanding certain things."