Violence and extortion at construction sites have become a significant threat to South Africa’s construction industry, undermining its economic contributions and operational stability. This study aimed to explore the impact, prevalence, and mitigation of these illicit activities. Using a qualitative research methodology, the study relied on semi-structured interviews with six experts, each with over 20 years of firsthand experience in violence and extortion within the industry. These experts were purposefully selected from various provinces across South Africa to ensure diverse perspectives and insights. Thematic content analysis was employed to analyse the rich qualitative data obtained during the interviews. The findings revealed that violence and extortion result in significant project delays, cost overruns, and operational adjustments, with some projects incurring unplanned expenditures for enhanced security measures. Additionally, investor confidence has plummeted, particularly in private sector projects, while law enforcement’s response to these challenges remains inadequate due to limited resources, lack of specialised training, and slow judicial processes. The study also highlighted regional hotspots for these activities, including KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, and the Western Cape, and underscored the systemic issues exacerbated by political complicity and inadequate data reporting mechanisms. The study recommended strengthening law enforcement through specialised training and resources, streamlining legal processes, fostering stakeholder collaboration, and enhancing community engagement to build trust and improve intelligence gathering.