Theft, vandalism persist at Vodacom station sites in Limpopo
Cellular base stations particularly in remote areas of the province are often the only source of connectivity which is disrupted after theft.
LIMPOPO – Vodacom Limpopo region managing executive region, Ridwaan Soomra says they are engaging with community policing forums and creating awareness among local communities about reporting crime.
“We continue to face the ongoing issue of theft and vandalism at our base station sites as the region experiences an average of 65 incidents of vandalism a month, with a staggering 60% related to battery theft and vandalism. This continues to persist at our base station sites. An estimated 30 to 40 batteries are stolen monthly and copper cables and backup generators are increasingly becoming targeted items,” he said.
Soomra added that the severe costs of this criminal activity extends to more than just repairing damaged sites and replacing equipment but to communities, who experience network outages and a loss of connectivity when they may need it most.
Cellular base stations, particularly in remote areas of the province are often the only source of connectivity which is disrupted after theft and vandalism incidents and incur downtime for network service restoration.
“Not having access to communications can have a serious impact on the community, especially in an emergency with the inability to make a call potentially putting lives at risk,” Soomra said.
He explained that with the installation of backup power solutions at base station sites to mitigate the effects of load-shedding on network services, thieves are now setting their sights on generators, diesel and batteries needed to operate backup equipment. In addressing theft and vandalism at base stations, Soomra explained that Vodacom Limpopo has invested in accelerated security measures, such as deploying surveillance cameras and armed security response to hotspot areas.
Despite the challenges, he emphasised that they have achieved successful convictions, thanks to effective collaboration with the Provincial Organised Crime South African Police Service Unit, security stakeholders and local communities. The Villiers Regional Court in the Free State sentenced two thieves last month who were caught along the N3 going to Johannesburg in possession of batteries belonging to Vodacom to 12 years in prison.
“While we remain committed to seeking justice and protecting critical infrastructure from criminal activity, the greatest deterrent is community involvement. This is why we are calling on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities near base station sites. By working together, we can ensure essential uninterrupted connectivity for all,” Soomra concluded.
Vodacom would like to appeal to citizens to report incidents of battery theft or site vandalism by calling its toll-free number: 082 241 9952 or SAPS on 10111.
