Widespread organised crime likely to scupper economic growth, says Deputy Justice Minister

CAPE TOWN - Deputy Justice Minister Andries Nel says organised crime patterns have mutated to the point where they could constrain economic growth.

He says over time they’ve seen new forms of criminal activity developing like extortion and kidnapping which have a far-reaching impact on the country.

Nel was addressing members of Parliament on Tuesday, during a political overview and discussion on the department's annual reports.

The growing trends of organised crime, Nel said, are a matter of serious concern.

"In the rise of crime, we’ve also seen new forms of crime emerging out of pre-existing patterns of organised crime and gangsterism which have now mutated into extortion, kidnapping, construction mafia."

He said a justice system that can’t deal with crime effectively and speedily is going to hold back the Government of National Unity economic priorities.

"All of those things impact negatively on the attainment of those three priorities and the apex priority of inclusive growth."

Nel also warned of the dangers of artificial intelligence and how this could lead to unemployment in the legal profession.