Insurer won't pay up

CONSTRUCTION MAFIA: BUSINESS FORUM SEIZES GOODS WORTH R3M

- Antoinette Slabbert

Momentum sued for not paying claim for stolen items.

A construction company from Centurion that lost goods valued at more than R3 million when a business forum raided its offices has turned to the courts to get its insurer, Momentum, to pay out its claim for theft.

Thugs who engage in extortion on building sites, also referred to as the construction mafia, often pose as business forums representing the interests of local communities. They typically bring operations on site to a halt unless they get 30% of the contract value in work.

Although such activity is widespread, law enforcement has not acted against it in any significant way.

Tebelo Construction is suing Momentum Insurance for its refusal to pay a claim for the stolen goods. Momentum is contesting the claim.

The company states in court documents that it has been paying more than R57 000 a month to Momentum to cover the property in its offices against fire and theft.