Increased security planned for 'high risks’ sites threatened by extortionists

ELEVEN major construction projects in the Western Cape have been hit by extortion or attempted extortion, putting R470 million in development at risk.

- NICOLA DANIELS.

It also remains unclear whether anyone has been arrested for the crimes. Provincial Infrastructure MEC Tertuis Simmers confirmed the figures in a recent parliamentary response, detailing all incidents of extortion or attempted extortion reported to his department over the two-year period.

While Simmers noted that not all disruptions to construction projects stem from extortion, with some linked to theft, vandalism or disputes over project implementation, he confirmed that 11 cases during the period could be clearly classified as extortion or attempted extortion.

These incidents occurred across the Western Cape including, Metro North (2), Metro Central (1), Metro East (5), Metro West (1), the Cape Winelands (1) and Witzenberg (1).

“The total value of these projects is R470m,” he said.