Strategic Partnership to Protect Critical Infrastructure
MTN has partnered with the Eastern Cape SAPS and the Eastern Cape Community Police Forum (CPF) to combat network infrastructure crime. This initiative aims to prevent vandalism and theft at MTN base transceiver stations in the region.
With an average of 71 vandalism incidents per month in the past six months, MTN is strengthening security measures. The partnership focuses on protecting network batteries and cables, which are frequently targeted by criminals.
Impact of Network Infrastructure Crime
Criminal activities disrupt essential services, affecting businesses, personal safety, and daily communication. MTN South Africa CEO Charles Molapisi emphasized the importance of securing infrastructure to maintain connectivity.
“By standing united with law enforcement, we are not just protecting our network. We are safeguarding communities and investing in the nation’s future,” Charles Molapisi, CEO of MTN South Africa .
The Eastern Cape SAPS and CPF will deploy officers and patrollers to monitor and respond to security threats in high-risk areas.
These areas include base stations in Mthatha and Queenstown, where criminals frequently target network infrastructure for vandalism and theft.
Successful Pilot in Gauteng
This initiative builds on the success of a similar program launched in Gauteng in 2023. That effort resulted in a 35% reduction in MTN’s crime and asset losses. The company aims to replicate those results in the Eastern Cape with SAPS’s Critical Infrastructure Task Team.
Enhancing Law Enforcement Capabilities
Firstly, MTN is providing the Mthatha SAPS Joint Operations Centre with essential equipment. These donations include laptops, computers, printers, furniture, power supply units, and reliable internet connectivity to improve operational efficiency.
In addition, community patrollers will receive uniforms, panic buttons, and two-way radios to strengthen crime prevention efforts. Moreover, mobile license plate recognition cameras will be installed in SAPS patrol vehicles. As a result, this will enhance law enforcement’s ability to track and identify criminals.
Education and Crime Prevention Strategies
MTN, SAPS, and CPF will conduct outreach programs to educate communities about the impact of vandalism. These efforts aim to encourage residents to actively participate in crime prevention.
A memorandum of understanding outlines intelligence-sharing strategies, technological advancements, and crime pattern analysis to enhance security measures. The partnership includes a continuous monitoring framework to track reductions in theft and vandalism.
To begin with, mobile license plate recognition cameras will be installed in SAPS patrol vehicles. Consequently, this will enhance law enforcement’s ability to track and identify criminals.
Moreover, SAPS Lieutenant Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa expressed confidence in the initiative, stating that it would help curb network infrastructure crime while strengthening community security.
Additionally, Molapisi reaffirmed MTN’s dedication to empowering law enforcement. He emphasized, “By creating strong partnerships, we drive shared value and ensure South Africans enjoy the benefits of a modern, connected life.”
