Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has called on companies and individuals facing threats from the construction mafia to file charges as police show firm resolve against criminal activity on construction sites.

Mchunu was speaking at the Crime-Free Sites National Construction Summit at the Durban International Convention Center in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) on Tuesday.

The summit, hosted by the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), will address growing concerns about security, construction mafia, security and other criminal activities on construction sites.

Watch Senzo Mchunu talk about criminal activity on construction sites

“We wish good luck to anyone who encounters police while performing their duties.” Police Minister Senzo Mchunu underlines the government’s tough stance on law enforcement in combating criminal activity on construction sites. #YeniZoda405 pic.twitter.com/pwLYYiVKht

— Newzroom Africa (@Newzroom405) 19 November 2024

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criminal activity

Concerns about the so-called construction mafia, security and other criminal activities, and extortion crimes on construction sites have wreaked havoc across the country and are now under the spotlight.

Mchunu said there was an urgent need to address one of the most pressing challenges facing the country’s construction industry: the need for crime-free construction sites.

“This is a commitment I believe we all must make. We are gathered here for a common purpose: to create a safer environment for this vital sector, which plays an irreplaceable role in economic development, infrastructure development and job creation. This is a choice between the South Africa we want; a place of stability and order, and a place of chaos and disorder.”

“Threats, intimidation and violent obstruction have become unacceptable obstacles to progress; All of this is illegal and driven by greed. This is a fact we cannot ignore and is why the South African Police Service is taking significant steps to directly engage these criminal elements,” Mchunu said.

Warning

Mchunu said KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Western Cape and Eastern Cape had the highest rates of all crimes, including rape, murder, GBV and extortion.

He said the police were ready to do whatever it took to protect the construction industry from criminal activity.

“We are determined to ensure that our country’s construction sites become safe spaces where workers can work without fear, projects continue without interruption, and communities can benefit from the development we urgently need.

“We wish good luck to everyone who encounters the police in the execution of their duties,” Mchunu said.

crime intelligence

Mchunu said criminal intelligence plays a critical role in identifying emerging threats, gathering intelligence and locating suspects linked to these organizations.

“Our Organized Crime Fighting unit will be very important in carrying out these activities. “In addition to specialist investigation teams, visible police combat units have been deployed in hotspot areas to patrol and prevent crime in order to stabilize the situation and address violence associated with these organisations,” Mchunu said.

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