Police Minister Mchunu to prioritise ridding SA of construction mafia

JOHANNESBURG - New Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has committed to prioritising ridding the country of the so-called construction mafia. 

The extortion groups are notorious for demanding an unwarranted share of funds and a "protection fee" from local construction companies contracted to projects.

Former Public Works Minister Sihle Zikalala previously revealed that the construction mafia had cost the country more than R68 billion.

Speaking during a media briefing in Pretoria on Monday, Mchunu said that the syndicates remained a thorn in the side of government.

"We take the issue of 'construction mafias' in the country very seriously. Genuine quests for economic transformation can be handled through the correct channels and using existing policy prescripts without resorting to hijacking construction sites and using extortion to source business."