Key Points:
- Armed gang linked to the construction mafia held workers hostage and stole diesel in Bergville, KwaZulu-Natal.
- KwaZulu-Natal government officials commend community resistance and call for public cooperation.
- A R177 million road infrastructure project is now under threat due to construction site crime.
BERGVILLE, South Africa – A six-member gang, allegedly part of the construction mafia KwaZulu-Natal network, held construction workers at gunpoint and stole 300 liters of diesel on Monday. The robbery happened in Bergville, a rural area within the Okhahlamba Local Municipality.
Community Praised Amid Security Concerns
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, condemned the attack immediately. He also praised local traditional leaders and residents for their quick, united response.
“This is the first such incident reported at the Bergville Police Station,” Duma said. “We applaud Inkosi Njabulo Miya of the Emazizini Traditional Council, the izinduna, and the broader community. They showed true courage in standing up to those trying to sabotage our development.”
Furthermore, Duma urged anyone with information to assist law enforcement by reporting it to the nearest police station.
“There should be no place for construction mafia gangs in villages, townships, suburbs, or anywhere in KZN,” he said.
Multi-Million Rand Project Under Threat
The Department of Transport has committed R177 million to renovate Primary Route P304. This key road links Bergville to the Maloti Drakensberg and Royal Natal Park via the R74.
Duma emphasized the significance of the road. He explained that it supports local tourism and agriculture—two vital sectors of the rural economy.
Therefore, he said, the department aims to keep the route safe, usable, and capable of boosting regional economic activity.
Nationwide Economic Impact of Construction Crime
In 2023, former Public Works Minister Sihle Zikalala revealed the massive economic damage caused by site takeovers. He said construction mafia KwaZulu-Natal and similar groups disrupted 186 infrastructure projects before the COVID-19 pandemic.
These disruptions, he added, cost the South African economy more than R68 billion.
Police have confirmed they are investigating the incident. However, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has not yet announced any arrests.
