The Public Works and Infrastructure Ministry is calling on the State to be stricter with the so-called construction mafia.
Five suspected extortionists have been arrested and charged with intimidation and disturbing work at a construction site in Umsunduzi, Pietermaritzburg.
The group is believed to have stormed the site where a bridge is being built demanding money from contractors.
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has praised police for the arrests.
“It is vitally important that they have our backing to be able to do their jobs to secure these sites, and to bring those that are responsible for these attacks on our construction sites – who are responsible for extorting, violence and murder – to book.”
He added that the State must not treat the accused with kid gloves.
“We want to ensure that this case is kept on the roll and that those accused are denied bail and that necessary investigations are done, and that a very strong message is sent to those who perpetuate crime against the State.”
The group is set to appear in the Camperdown Magistrates Court on Monday.
-EWN
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