A recent ‘Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime’ report showed that at least 183 infrastructure and construction projects in South Africa worth more than R63-billion were disrupted by the so-called ‘construction mafia’ in 2019 alone. Typically organised under the banner of self-appointed local business forums, these groups arrive armed at construction sites or tender meetings, demanding 30% of the project’s value. Their violent intimidation tactics are adding to security costs and are delaying key infrastructure investments. Unless brought under control, these forums pose a serious threat to any infrastructure-led recovery gaining momentum.