Durban — Between January 2017 and November 2022, Telkom recorded 1 321 copper cable theft cases.
This led to a total of 2 318 suspects being apprehended for crimes related to its network infrastructure vandalism.
Telkom spokesperson Pat Mazibuko said from these 1 321 cases, a total of 483 matters have already been finalised against 823 accused where a total of 372 accused were successfully convicted to a combined 21 322 months imprisonment.
Mazibuko said that Telkom views theft and vandalism of network infrastructure in a very serious light. During 2022 alone, 719 suspects were apprehended. He said 153 out of the 1 321 cases were finalised during 2022.
Mazibuko had been speaking to the Daily News following the appearance of eight accused in the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court, on Monday. The eight face charges in relation to the theft of Telkom, eThekwini, and Transnet copper cables estimated at R3 million.
The matter was adjourned to next year for further investigation.
Mazibuko said that due to the theft and replacement cost of communication cables and or wires, some rural areas are without telecommunication services, since it was no longer cost effective for Telkom to replace these cables due to repetitive theft.
"Telkom deploys security dedicated to protecting our network, this is not only limited to physical security but includes intelligence focused investigation teams, technology security enhancements and collaboration with the security cluster to clamp down on theft and vandalism," he said.
Mazibuko said that Telkom has joined forces with EITT (Economic Infrastructure task team) and as a member of other entities such as NFMCCC (National Non-Ferrous Crime Combatting Committee), COMRIC (Communication Risk Information Centre for Telecommunication Operators) was working closely with SOE’s such as Prasa, Transnet, Eskom, and municipalities to curb essential infrastructure theft.
"Telkom provides telecommunication as an essential service to all citizens of South Africa and to other essential service entities that are dependent on communication. The impact of network infrastructure theft has significant consequences on all levels of the community. This deprives the community of their basic right to have access to telecommunication. It disrupts customer connectivity to access the internet for various reasons like educational, business transactions like speed points and online payments and ATMs," he said.
Mazibuko said that they relied on public support to curb the spread of battery theft and vandalism of network infrastructure.
How to report Telkom vandalism or theft:
- Telkom Hotline: 0800 124 000
- Add Telkom on WhatsApp at 081 222 5999
- Email: [email protected]
- SMS 48691
Daily News