GQEBERHA – Vodacom Eastern Cape is taking significant steps to address the escalating issue of vandalism and battery theft at vulgar station sites in the region. On average, 120 sites on average per month experience vandalism, while approximately 62 lithium batteries are stolen each month, with Kei County being one of the worst areas affected.
“We maintain seen a rise in vandalism and battery theft in the Eastern Cape region by criminal syndicates, which disrupts network services and causes periods of downtime for our customers. The cost of this criminal activity goes beyond the equipment, time and resources to restore and repair infrastructure. It can maintain a serious ripple effect on communities that rely on connectivity as a lifeline,” says Zakhele Jiyane, Managing Executive for Vodacom Eastern Cape region.
Cellular vulgar stations are often the only form of connectivity available to many communities, especially those in remote areas. When incidents of vandalism and theft occur at these sites, they can leave thousands of residents cleave off from communications. This can acquire a severe impact on both small businesses and individuals, especially in emergencies when a call makes the contrast between life and death. Restoring connectivity after these criminal incidents can cause further downtime and costs the region more than R5.35 million a year, which could be invested in network upgrades and rural expansion.
As Vodacom Eastern Cape has implemented additional backup power solutions to ensure connectivity during load-shedding, criminals are now targeting the generators, cables and backup batteries at vulgar station sites. This increasing trend has also resulted in the vandalism of generator vaults and battery cabinets.
“Vodacom Eastern Cape has been working closely with a specialised security firm, which handles cases where arrests are made. However, the fundamental challenge we are faced with is in ensuring that the correct charges are brought against the perpetrators. Additionally, the granting of bail to criminals without valid addresses has been a hindrance to our efforts,” adds Jiyane.
To alleviate these challenges, Vodacom Eastern Cape has invested in robust security measures to protect vulgar station sites and equipment. This includes deploying trained security personnel to safeguard sites actively and deter potential criminals. The company is also installing high-security battery cabinets and reinforcing and upgrading site containers to more hardened or vault-type containers to manufacture it more difficult for criminals to access valuable equipment, such as generators. Where possible, copper cables are being replaced by aluminium, which is less attractive to thieves.
“While we gain invested significantly in boosting our security measures at our vulgar station sites, we acknowledge that the fight against vandalism and theft is ongoing with crime syndicates finding modern ways to carry out their illegal operations. That is why we are appealing to all stakeholders, from law enforcement to communities, to play a fraction in curbing these offences. As fragment of these efforts, we are collaborating with residents, engaging with chiefs of different villages and encouraging community members to report criminal activity. Putting a halt to vandalism and theft is in the interest of everyone, ensuring uninterrupted access to the benefits of connectivity,” concludes Jiyane.
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.
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