Mafia siege in South Africa

South Africa is grappling with a siege of mafia-style extortion syndicates that have infiltrated nearly every sector of the economy.

This growing crisis, highlighted in a preliminary report presented to Parliament’s police portfolio committee, paints a grim picture of organised crime’s tightening grip on the nation.

Police portfolio committee chairman Ian Cameron underscored the severity of the issue, stating that extortion has seeped into all levels of economic activity, from small spaza shops to billion-rand construction projects.

Speaking with eNCA, He argued that this infiltration would be nearly impossible without the collusion of senior justice officials, exposing corruption as a key enabler of these criminal networks.

The construction sector is among the hardest hit, with the notorious “construction mafia”—particularly in Cape Town and KwaZulu-Natal—invading sites and demanding protection fees or a stake in projects.

These criminal groups have evolved from loosely organised gangs to sophisticated syndicates, often masquerading as legitimate business forums.

Their operations stall critical infrastructure developments, driving up project costs and creating an environment of fear and intimidation.

Businesses in Cape Town are also under attack.

The city has seen an alarming rise in protection rackets, where extortion networks target cafes, restaurants, and luxury apartments.

Nightlife establishments are also under constant threat, with owners forced to pay for “protection” or face violent repercussions.

This problem has spread beyond nightlife spots to small businesses and construction companies, making it harder for businesses to grow and succeed.

Organised crime has also infiltrated essential services. The so-called “tanker mafia” has exploited the country’s water supply issues, controlling access to water delivery in vulnerable communities.

This form of extortion not only threatens public health but also exacerbates social inequalities, as those who cannot afford to pay are left without basic necessities.

The Global Organised Crime Index corroborates these findings, noting the prevalence of extortion and protection racketeering across South Africa.

Criminal practices now impact a wide range of sectors, including informal businesses, mining companies, and the transport industry.

The report noted that some syndicates in Gauteng have rebranded themselves as legal security companies, maintaining their operations through violence and intimidation.

Kidnapping for ransom has also become an entrenched, lucrative criminal enterprise, adding another layer of fear and insecurity.

Additionally, crime intelligence sources revealed that some officers, from constables to brigadiers, actively collaborate with extortion gangs.

In the Eastern Cape, an officer assigned to investigate syndicates was later identified as a key figure within these networks and arrested at the Mall of Africa.

Further investigations led to the arrest of four officers from Ngcobo and East London linked to these criminal activities.

Acting Deputy Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya acknowledged these arrests but withheld specific figures, reflecting a broader issue of accountability within law enforcement.

Cameron pointed out that people don’t see extortion as serious as crimes like robbery or hijacking, which makes the problem worse.

Because the punishment isn’t as harsh, criminals aren’t scared to commit these crimes. Since 2019, there have been over 6,000 reports of extortion, but only 178 led to convictions.

Many cases are dropped because victims are too scared to testify, afraid the gangs will come after them.

In response to this escalating crisis, the government has initiated measures to combat organised crime.

Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson, speaking at the National Construction Summit on Crime-Free Construction, declared an end to negotiations with criminals disrupting construction projects.

“We will no longer be negotiating with criminals just to be able to build the essential roads, dams, schools, and hospitals that our people need,” Macpherson asserted.

The summit produced a series of pledges aimed at strengthening legislation governing the construction industry.

These reforms seek to enhance collaboration among stakeholders, improve crime response strategies, and create robust reporting mechanisms to facilitate more arrests.

“We must urgently review and refine policies to ensure that their original intent is upheld, empowering the rights of people and promoting genuine growth in local economies,” Macpherson said.