Armed gang steals 300 litres of diesel from Bergville road project, raising safety concerns
Construction workers in Bergville, in KwaZulu-Natal were held at gunpoint by an armed gang in Bergville while working on a road rehabilitation project.
Image: REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach
A violent gang of six armed men, believed to be linked to the construction mafia, stormed a construction site in the the rural area of Bergville in KwaZulu-Natal and stole 300 litres of diesel.
The robbery has prompted strong condemnation from KwaZulu-Natal’s Transport and Human Settlements MEC, Siboniso Duma.
According to Duma, the criminals held construction workers at gunpoint before making off with the diesel. The incident happened on a site where a major road rehabilitation project is underway. The P304 road is being rebuilt at a cost of R177 million.
“This road serves as a major link connecting Bergville to Maloti Drakensberg Park/Royal Natal Park through R74,” said Duma in a statement issued on Tuesday.
“The road plays a vital role in terms of stimulating rural economies for communities living under the burden of poverty.”
The P304 route was damaged during the devastating floods that hit parts of KwaZulu-Natal, leaving communities isolated and cut off from hospitals, schools, and socio-economic centres.
Duma said the department's investment aimed to ensure the road remains safe and usable, helping to revitalise key sectors of the economy, including agriculture and tourism.
Describing the robbery as the first incident on this project, Duma confirmed that a case has been opened at the Bergville Police Station
“We are confident that KZN Police Commissioner Lt General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and his team will apprehend the criminals,” he said.
Duma also commended local traditional leaders and the broader community for standing up against the criminals.
“We salute Inkosi Njabulo Miya of the Emazizini Traditional Council, the izinduna, and the entire community for their public display of anger and opposition against these criminals who are trying to derail the project.”
He called on anyone with information about the incident to contact the nearest police station, saying: “There should be no place for construction mafia gangs in villages, townships, suburbs, or anywhere in KZN.”