Gauteng's golden highway project hit by construction mafia extortion. Arrive Alive
(The Post News)- The Golden Highway rehabilitation project in Gauteng, valued at R550 million, has been halted due to threats from construction mafias.
LoneRock, the company contracted for the project, has faced violence, including workers being shot at and assaulted, as revealed in an affidavit by director Godfrey Mokabane.
Mokabane stated that various groups, including local businesses and taxi associations, demanded benefits from the project, but LoneRock refused to give in to their demands.
Although police gave the green light for construction, the South African National Civic Organisation (Sanco) and others approached the site foreman, demanding consultation before work could proceed.
The ward councillor, Sithembiso Zungu, has a history of extortion allegations and was jailed for defying a protection order.
A LoneRock mechanic was shot at and pistol-whipped on the same day Sanco approached the site foreman. Taxi operators later demanded payment without providing services.
Local business owners blocked the site, demanding inclusion as contractors and equal work allocation. Mokabane reported multiple incidents of harassment in March and April.
The case is ongoing, with the Ministry, police, taxi operators, and business forums yet to respond.
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