Mafia shutting down road construction projects in South Africa

• Mafia groups have disrupted road construction projects in South Africa, shutting down billions of rands in economic development.
• Construction mafia groups have cropped up nationwide, disrupting projects and demanding a cut of the funds, often with high-calibre weapons and making cash demands.
• More than 770 cases of construction-related extortion and intimidation have been reported, leading to over 241 arrests and 176 convictions, with cases dropping significantly since the government's crackdown.