More than R161.7 million has been spent on security to mitigate extortion by the construction mafia and the illegal occupants of vacant land and homes under construction.
Also read: Extortionists leave thousands of housing project beneficiaries in the lurch
This was revealed by infrastructure MEC, Tertius Simmers, during his presentation of the department’s end-of-year performance outcome.
‘By the end of the year, the department spent more than R161.7 million on security to mitigate this scourge, with 125 housing opportunities being lost,’ he told the provincial legislature.
In response, chairperson of the standing committee on infrastructure, the DA’s Matlhodi Maseko (DA) alleged there was a political connection to the construction mafia.
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‘Here in the Western Cape, it is a well-known allegation that there are certain political parties who play an active role in extortion in some communities and we look forward to the law running its course,’ Mathodi said, asking Simmers about a collaboration with the police on the issue of construction mafia.
He added that there were currently eight ongoing investigations into cases of extortion related to construction activities in Cape Town, including four cases in Manenberg, one in Delft, one in Milnerton and two in Gugulethu.
According to Simmers, these cases were centred on unlawful material supply, site security breaches, demolitions and acts of intimidation, adding that the problem countrywide.
When asked by ANC finance spokesperson Nomi Nkondlo whether he had roped in the services of the City, especially mayco member for safety and security JP Smith, the infrastructure MEC said he had been working closely with all stakeholders.
‘To counteract the widespread impact of extortion across the entire province, the department has implemented a comprehensive prevention plan.’
‘This proactive strategy encompasses not only internal stakeholders but also external ones such as project steering committees and ward councillors, all of whom play vital roles in executing this plan.’
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Also read:
Cape legislature calls for end to extortion by construction mafia
Picture: Shivendu Shukla /Unsplash
