Construction mafia extortion impact business sentiment

JOHANNESBURG - Business Against Crime South Africa says while there have been many arrests relating to extortion at building sites, there have been few, if any prosecutions.

Major building projects across the country are increasingly being stormed by groups demanding cash to allow construction work to continue.

The organisation is warning the increased levels of extortion and intimidation at construction sites will deter future investment in new projects.

READ: WATCH | Military-type security needed to deal with construction mafias - DA

It has indicated that the committee established to deal with extortion which includes police and business leadership, has been helpful.

However, it says more can be done as the economic impact is running into the billions.

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