Suspected construction kingpin arrested over activity at Pretoria hospital

Police in Ga-Rankuwa, north of Pretoria, arrested four people on Monday on allegations of extortion, assault and intimidation.

These arrests followed a detailed investigation into criminal activities that disrupted the construction of the oncology unit at George Mukhari Hospital, a vital healthcare facility in the district.

According to police spokesman Warrant Officer Johan van Dyk, the suspects are accused of interfering with construction activities at the site, which is being developed to provide much-needed cancer treatment to the local community.

Van Dyk said the suspects blocked delivery trucks carrying essential construction materials and halted progress on the construction site.

He also said that they attacked the site manager, made threatening statements and made unreasonable demands to stop the project.

“The oncology unit at George Mukhari Hospital is a pivotal project that aims to improve access to specialist healthcare in the region.

“Disruption of such an important facility not only threatens the development of the hospital, but also poses a risk to the well-being of the local community who rely on the medical services the hospital provides,” Van Dyk said.

The suspects are currently facing multiple charges, including extortion, assault and intimidation, which are serious crimes that could have far-reaching consequences for the project and its timeline.

“Investigations continue to evaluate whether the arrested individuals, particularly the so-called construction mafia, are involved in other criminal activities linked to the growing problem of disrupting construction sites.

“We will fight hard against those who seek to disrupt critical infrastructure projects that benefit our communities, and it is imperative that services such as healthcare remain accessible without interference from criminal elements.”

The public is asked to report any incidents of extortion or similar crime via the national helpline on 0800 911 011.

Police remain vigilant in investigating these criminal activities to ensure that development projects, especially those related to public health, proceed unimpeded.

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