Construction mafia gang holds workers hostage and steals 300 litres of diesel in KwaZulu-Natal, no arrests
A six-member construction mafia group allegedly held construction workers hostage at gunpoint, and seized 300 liters of diesel in the remote rural area of Bergville, which is located within the Okhahlamba Local Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal on Monday.
MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma said that he is confident that KZN Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and his team will apprehend the alleged criminals.
“The robbery is the first of its kind at the Bergville Police Station. We salute Inkosi Njabulo Miya of the Emazizini Traditional Council, the izinduna, and the whole community for their public display of anger and opposition against these criminals who are trying to derail the project.
“Finally, we are encouraging anyone with information about this robbery to contact the nearest police. There should be no place for construction mafia gangs in villages, townships, suburbs, or anywhere in KZN,” Duma said.
He noted that the department has committed R177 million in the renovation of primary route P304. This route provides as a vital link between Bergville and Maloti Drakensberg Park/Royal Natal Park via R74.
He went on to say that it is critical for developing rural businesses in impoverished places. Duma stated that the department’s goal with this investment is to guarantee that P304 stays safe and usable while also stimulating other areas of the economy, including agriculture and tourism.
In 2023, former Public Works Minister Sihle Zikalala said the disruption and blockages of construction sites by the construction mafia cost the economy more than R68 billion, before the pandemic, in 186 projects.
The South African Police Services (SAPS) have been approached for comment on arrests.
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