The plague of ‘construction mafias’ and kidnapping syndicates has engulfed South Africa, as reports from TimesLive and the Sunday Times shed light on the audacious activities of these criminal networks, operating with impunity while the national government remains indecisive.

TimesLive recently conducted a startling investigation, unveiling the operations of kidnapping syndicates run by international criminals within South Africa. These ruthless groups target individuals perceived to have the financial means to pay ransoms, and they collaborate with corrupt police and Home Affairs officials to facilitate their illicit activities.

The kidnapping incidents have surged in the country, with the targets diversifying over time. Initially, wealthy foreign nationals bore the brunt, but as the pool of available high-net-worth victims diminished, the criminals turned their attention to middle or low-income individuals.

Aside from abducting victims for ransom, these criminals also exploit businesses, forcing them to pay ‘protection money’ to avert potential kidnappings. The investigation uncovered the alarming extent to which these criminal enterprises have infiltrated and intimidated various sectors.

Meanwhile, the Sunday Times reports that construction mafia bosses in KwaZulu Natal have demanded exorbitant sums, such as R5 million, to prevent alleged plots to bomb metro buildings and infrastructure during the 2021 riots. This revelation came to light during negotiations with officials.

The construction mafias have become a grave menace to many businesses in South Africa, particularly in the construction sector. The so-called “business forums” led by these mafias demand a staggering 30% of contracts for major projects. Non-compliance often results in project shutdowns, frequently accompanied by violence.

Officials in KwaZulu Natal have attempted negotiations with these criminal groups, hoping to foster collaboration between the forums and the authorities. Regrettably, instead of cooperation, the officials received a demand for a substantial sum of money.

In response to the mafias, some regions of the country have adopted a tougher stance, opting not to negotiate with these criminals. Major political parties, including the ANC, DA, and Action SA, have urged cities not to engage in talks with the forums, likening it to negotiating with terrorists.

Both kidnapping syndicates and construction mafias rely heavily on extortion to fuel their operations, and authorities find themselves perplexed on how to effectively combat these criminal elements.

Some progress has been made in pushing back against the mafias. Recently, the SAPS, in collaboration with Business Against Crime South Africa (Bacsa), identified over 140 individuals involved in murder, assault, intimidation, and violence. Public Works Minister Sihle Zikalala reported that more than 700 arrests have been made.

However, many businesses and projects remain under constant pressure from these insidious ‘business forums.’

Regarding kidnapping incidents, the SAPS has established a specialized kidnapping unit, which has achieved some success in dismantling syndicates that terrorize businesses. Nonetheless, these efforts have been tainted by two separate investigative reports from TimesLive and the City Press, revealing the involvement of SAPS members in these criminal activities. The situation poses a significant challenge for law enforcement to tackle the internal corruption within their ranks.

As South Africa grapples with the escalating menace of construction mafias and kidnapping syndicates, the need for a unified and decisive approach by the government and law enforcement agencies has never been more critical. Without swift and resolute action, these criminal networks will continue to wreak havoc on the nation’s businesses and its people.