Cellular service provider MTN has called on the public to immediately report the sale of stolen cell phone tower batteries to authorities.
This as the “epidemic” of cell phone tower battery theft could see phone users not having access to emergency services, effective business operations and unable to connect with loved ones, according to MTN network operations general manager Ernest Paul.
Paul said in a statement that the damage to cell towers and infrastructure was far higher than the cost of repairing and replacing them.
“The industry is under pressure to deal not only with improving security to curb theft but also having to pay increasing amounts to replace batteries and repair damage,” he said.
“These costs to date have been incurred by network operators but may need to be passed on to the consumer if the mounting theft continues.”
ALSO READ: East cell tower battery theft syndicate busted
MTN’s data showed that as many as 89 cell towers across the country were on hold in August, awaiting replacement batteries and maintenance fixes.
According to the statement, 53 base stations – 38 of which were in Tshwane – had been completely destroyed nationally.
“This situation leaves many South Africans without access to network services either,” Paul said.
Paul said the problem was a national one and people needed to realise there may not be a service at some point if it continued.
The issue around the stolen batteries had also been highlighted recently by anti-crime activist Yusuf Abramjee.
Abramjee said this major problem was costing millions as hundreds of batteries were stolen each month.
He said it appeared the thefts were the work of a syndicate who resold batteries once stolen.
“We have evidence to suggest the batteries are openly sold in neighbouring countries such as Zimbabwe.”
Abramjee had also alerted SARS to the issue and called on the public to help blow the whistle on the sale of these batteries.
ALSO READ: Police warn of syndicates targeting Pta students
Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites:
Rekord East
Rekord North
Rekord Centurion
Rekord Moot
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
