MTN collaborates with Community Safety Structure to tackle crime in Soweto

MTN SA has formally partnered with the Gauteng Provincial Community Police Board to support the Soweto Community Police Forum (CPF) in fighting the ongoing vandalism and theft of batteries as well as cables at cellphone towers.

The partnership was announced on March 01 at the SAPS District office in Protea North.

The purpose of the initiative is to safeguard the infrastructure of network towers and minimise network downtime and its impact on the connectivity experience of subscribers.

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MTN SA CEO, Charles Molapisi said the partnership with the Gauteng Provincial Community Police Board will see technology harnessed to prevent and reduce incidents of vandalism and theft at cell towers and will ultimately ensure that communities are safer.

“Persistent load shedding in recent months has resulted in a significant increase in theft of network assets and vandalism of our tower infrastructure.

“These criminal activities come at a high cost to the company and they also prevent communities from accessing the network and staying in touch, connected to work, emergency services and to each other.

“The effect is devastating on lives and this is why we are ramping up prevention measures in the communities we serve,” said Molapisi.

Molapisi added that there has never been a more opportune time than now for organisations like theirs to identify opportunities from this crisis and partner with local communities and CPF to leverage their competencies and abilities to combat infrastructure damage.

According to Gauteng Provincial Community Police Board Executive Chairperson, Thokozani Masilela, communities must own the technology infrastructure and defend it by using intelligence and the crime prevention measures of the SAPS and other law enforcement agencies.

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“Fighting criminal tendencies and infrastructure damage needs a multi-integrated approach. CPFs through our force multiplier community patroller’s intelligence have a chance to make a difference and win the war against crime,” said Masilela.

A command centre equipped with computers, printers and other devices for data collection has been established as part of the partnership’s pilot programme.

To identify criminal activities and notify authorities, technology will be utilised, including WIFI points and CCTV.

CPF members also received brand new uniforms and tools including handcuffs and panic buttons.

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For phase two of the project, which aims to promote shared values throughout the areas in which MTN operates, the brand intends to guarantee even wider benefits.

“Our aim is to empower CPFs across SA to protect network sites in their respective communities. Nothing is more important in SA today that the fight against crime.

“Together we can ensure criminals are brought to book, syndicates dismantled and ultimately the people of SA can enjoy the full benefits of a modern connected life,” concluded Molapisi.