Education MEC condemns intimidation and extortion at Manenberg School of Skills

The Western Cape’s Education MEC, David Maynier, has condemned the intimidation and extortion at Manenberg School of Skills.

It’s understood that a group of people arrived at the site, which is under construction, and demanded to be awarded a contract for providing security services in exchange for “protecting” the site from gangsters. It’s further alleged that they wanted all contracts for supply of materials to be awarded to businesses that are under the ownership or control of the group and their associates.

Maynier said work at the school was interrupted at the end of last month by a group of individuals attempting to extort the appointed contractor.

‘’The construction of Manenberg School of Skills is an R84 million project, scheduled to take 87 weeks. Any delay in construction has a direct impact on the community, which is in desperate need of more places for learners in Schools of Skills.’’

 SUPPLIED: WCED


The MEC has since given an affi
davit to SAPS.

 ‘’We have now received additional information about a group seeking to intimidate the contractors on the site. Today, I met with a senior South African Police Service (SAPS) officer at the Manenberg police station, where I provided this information in the form of an affidavit to the SAPS.’’

‘’We will not be held to ransom by those who seek to exploit public funds, and will give SAPS our full support in ending the extortion rackets that plague our building industry. Our children’s futures come first,’’ added Maynier.

 SUPPLIED - WCED: MEC David Maynier writing affadavit at Manenberg SAPS

Maynier has sent out a stern warning to criminals.

‘’It is imperative that our government be allowed to construct schools speedily, unencumbered by illegal extortion practices that compromise the delivery of enough places for learners in our schools.’’

‘’It’s time to stand up to the “construction mafia”. If you interfere in our school construction sites, we will not hesitate to involve SAPS. Be warned,’’ he added.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

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