Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has issued a stern warning to the so-called construction mafia, cautioning them against any attempts to disrupt the ongoing upgrades to the N2 and N3 highways in KwaZulu-Natal. During a site visit to assess the progress of these crucial infrastructure projects, Creecy stressed that the government will not tolerate any interference from criminal elements seeking to extort money or halt work through intimidation.
The so-called construction mafia refers to organized groups that have, in recent years, gained notoriety for extorting contractors on construction sites across the country, demanding a share of the projects’ contracts or threatening violence if their demands are not met. Creecy’s warning comes in the wake of multiple incidents where construction companies have faced such threats, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, leading to delays and escalated costs on key projects.
“We are not going to allow criminal elements to derail these projects that are vital to the economic growth and recovery of our country. Any disruption will be met with the full force of the law,” Creecy declared.
However, while some have supported Creecy’s tough stance, others have gone further, suggesting more extreme measures to deal with the perpetrators. Some individuals have advised the minister to take drastic action, including violence, with comments implying that the only solution is to “kill them.” Creecy, however, has not endorsed such statements and remains focused on legal enforcement to tackle the issue.
Creecy emphasized that law enforcement agencies are closely monitoring the situation and that any individuals or groups attempting to disrupt the construction will face immediate arrest and prosecution. The Minister reiterated the importance of the N2 and N3 upgrades, not only for KwaZulu-Natal but for the entire country’s transportation and logistics network.
The N2 and N3 highway upgrades form part of the government’s Strategic Infrastructure Projects, aimed at improving road safety, reducing congestion, and boosting economic activity by facilitating more efficient trade routes. As construction progresses, the government is determined to ensure that these projects are completed on schedule, despite the ongoing threat posed by criminal elements.