During a recent bail hearing, the prosecution asserted that extortionists have effectively placed the entire country under their control. This claim was highlighted as the key argument in the case against five individuals accused of causing significant disruptions at a bridge construction site in KwaXimba, KwaZulu-Natal. The accused—Andile Jiyane, Elias Phetha, Nhlanhla Makhathini, Sibonelo Khanyile, and Thabani Nkomo—appeared before Camperdown magistrate’s court facing serious extortion charges.
The defendants refute any connection to the so-called construction mafia. They argue that their actions were driven by concerns about the project’s employment practices, specifically questioning why the construction work was being done by outsiders rather than local residents. According to their defense, the intent behind their actions was to advocate for local job opportunities rather than engage in any form of extortion.
The bail application hearing, which continues on Friday, will further examine these claims and determine the next steps in the legal process.
