telkom SAPS has secured hundreds of convictions for cable theft, helping to turn the tide on infrastructure vandalism.
As part of this joint effort, telkom has helped secure convictions for cable theft and infrastructure vandalism in various operations across the country. telkom A group security strategy for effective security governance and agile and responsive security risk management.
of telkom Our security and investigation teams have been able to significantly reduce infrastructure-related crimes. telkom Facility. Communities have also played an important role through providing information to police and law enforcement. telkom Reporting hotline.
“Our partnership has helped us turn the tide on crime and achieved great results,” said Sepadi Nkadimen, Corporate Security Executive. telkom. “There have been a number of arrests, but most importantly we have been able to move the case forward in court and assist in the process of obtaining a conviction.”
From July 2017 to December 2023, a total of 3,003 suspects were successfully arrested. This is an arrest rate of approximately 600 people per year, 50 people per month, or 1.5 people per day. Lawsuits were opened against 2,549 people. telkom Collaborate with key players both internally and externally telkom To monitor these cases and support NPA prosecutors in all cases, our investigative team appears in all defendants' courtrooms, testifying and providing evidence as necessary.
Economic Interference in Critical Infrastructure (ESCI) Forum. telkomEskom, Prasa and Transnet estimate that the economic loss from copper theft is R7 billion each year, with the wider economic impact close to R187 billion.
it costs telkom Tens of millions of rands are spent each year replacing stolen or destroyed cables and batteries stolen from mobile phone towers. In addition to this, telkom We are budgeting more money for security to protect our assets. South African courts have taken a zero-tolerance approach to cable theft and infrastructure vandalism. Convicted criminals face extremely harsh prison sentences.
One of the most important judgments occurred in 2023. western capejoint efforts by SAPS succeeded in dismantling the syndicate group. telkom And community. A syndicate of cases involving theft, extortion and money laundering in violation of the Prevention of Organized Crime Act 121 of 1998 (POCA) was the target of the joint operation. During the trial, coat heard The syndicate allegedly organized its operations using rented vehicles to steal overhead copper cables. telkom, to Eskom and Transnet facilities across the country and then to a scrap metal dealer in Germiston, Gauteng. As a result of the legal proceedings, all five accused syndicate members were found guilty and sentenced to prison terms ranging from 18 to 83 years, with a final sentence of 210 years in prison.
According to a case recorded by telkom, through the concerted efforts of all involved, a tough approach to sentencing has been consistently applied across the country. Several notable examples illustrate this approach.
- inside free state, In March 2023, after 17 court appearances, one defendant was found guilty of attempted theft of underground copper cables and sentenced to six years in prison.
- in MpumalangaIn May 2023, after eight court appearances, one defendant was found guilty of attempted theft of copper overhead power cables and sentenced to five years in prison.
- inside eastern capeIn October 2023, one defendant was found guilty of stealing overhead cables after appearing in court four times and sentenced to six years in prison.
- in kwazulu natalIn October 2023, one defendant was found guilty of attempted battery theft after 17 court appearances and sentenced to 12 years in prison.
- in northwestIn November 2023, one defendant was found guilty of attempted theft of underground copper cables after 21 court appearances and sentenced to six years' direct imprisonment.
In addition to these examples, the careful efforts of prosecutors and investigation teams resulted in convictions for 523 defendants. The total sentence handed down is equivalent to a whopping 2,594 years in prison. In addition to the convictions, arrest warrants have now been issued for an additional 311 of her defendants, and 1,126 defendants are awaiting trial.
“We are very proud of the results achieved,” said Sepadi Nkadimen, Corporate Security Executive at the company. telkom . “These successes show that the key to winning the fight against infrastructure theft and vandalism is collaboration with communities and the industry as a whole. We must work together to stamp out crime. not.”
How can I help?
Cable theft affects us all. Community assistance in reporting criminal activity helps combat this scourge. He has six ways to report vandalism or theft. telkom Base Station – View channels here. All tips are