Four suspected extortionists have been arrested following a shoot-out at a construction site in Durban.
KwaZulu-Natal Public Works and Infrastructure MEC Martin Meyer has welcomed the swift action taken by security guards and police that resulted in the arrest of four suspected extortionists following a shoot-out at a construction site in Durban.
According to the police, the incident unfolded on Wednesday afternoon when a group of five men reportedly arrived at a construction site in O'Flaherty Road, where a road-building project was under way.
The armed men allegedly demanded money from the contractor.
Security guards stationed at the site were quickly summoned to intervene, leading to an argument that escalated into a gun battle.
SAPS KZN spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said that four of the five suspects sustained gunshot wounds during the shoot-out with the security personnel.
“The four suspects were arrested for extortion and cases of attempted murder were also opened.
‘’Four licensed firearms were found in the possession of the suspects and their two vehicles were also seized,” said Netshiunda.
The suspects, aged between 38 and 48, are currently under police guard while receiving medical treatment at a hospital.
Police did not comment on what happened to the fifth suspect.
Meyer applauded both the security team and the police for their decisive action in apprehending the suspects.
“While the rule of law, which includes the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, still applies, this incident highlights the brazen tactics used by alleged extortionists to unlawfully profit from construction projects.
“It is encouraging to see that stern action is being taken by law enforcement to curb these criminal activities targeting our construction sector,” said Meyer.
The arrest of these individuals comes amid growing concerns over the rise in extortion and criminal intimidation targeting construction projects across the province.
“The Mercury” has reported on the so-called construction mafia, who have gained notoriety for disrupting projects, demanding protection money, and threatening workers and contractors.
Meyer said that while this latest arrest was a positive development, much work remained to be done to eliminate the extortion racket plaguing the province.
He emphasised the importance of collaboration between various stakeholders, including law enforcement, private security, and government departments, in tackling the issue.
“To end construction mafia activity remains the utmost priority for the KZN Department of Public Works and Infrastructure under the Government of Provincial Unity,” said Meyer.
He further reiterated the significance of the upcoming national conference on construction site extortion, which is being organised by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Public Works and is scheduled to take place in November.
The conference is expected to bring together industry leaders, law enforcement, and government officials to develop sustainable and practical solutions to combat construction-related crime.
The MEC also referenced a recent case in Msunduzi, where a group of individuals was arrested for disrupting another construction site.
Last week, Meyer visited Menzi High School in uMlazi, which had experienced six disruptions, including an incident where a bullet was handed to a project manager.
As the investigation into the Durban incident continues, police have stated that the suspects will appear in court once they are discharged from the hospital.
The Mercury