OPINION | Thousands of people stand to lose the houses for which they have been waiting for years due to the construction industry in Cape Town being held hostage by extortionists, writes geordinhl.
A housing project is at risk due to threats and intimidation from mafia-like extortion rackets. Photo: Jaco Marais
Shortly after the site was set up, construction equipment was petrol bombed. Various members of the contractors' staff were threatened and told they would suffer violence if they continued work. In fear, the contractors left the site.Opinions editor Vanessa Banton curates the best opinions and analysis of the week to give you a broader view on daily news happenings.
And then, the night before work was due to resume, the construction site camp was petrol bombed. The next day, an officer on the site was assaulted with a firearm, and another was shot in both legs. A machine operator was shot in the chest while working. All of this happened while a large security deployment was present on site. This time the contractors left and made it clear they have no intention of returning.
There is no good to come from mediating with thugs. The construction mafias must be brought to justice.
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