55 batteries were recovered, while four vehicles that had tools that could be used to steal batteries were confiscated. “In one of the biggest hauls to date, members of the South African Police Services (SAPS) arrested a suspect at the Beit Bridge point of entry in possession of 32 batteries,” said MTN. “His vehicle including a trailer were also impounded.”

MTN said another operation in Greytown, Kwa-Zulu Natal saw three suspects apprehended while within the perimeter of the base station. “Two vehicles with false licence plates were recovered at the scene, including the tools the suspects used to break in,” said MTN, adding that these suspects have been positively linked to other cases.

In a third sting, MTN security and SAPS caught three more suspects after being tipped off by another telco operator. 16 MTN batteries were recovered from this operation.

“We are encouraged with the breakthrough we are making in the fight against vandalism and the theft of telecommunications infrastructure; all the hard work is finally yielding results,” said MTN General Manager of Network Operations, Ernest Paul.

“MTN will continue to collaborate with other telco companies to completely clamp down on the scourge of battery theft, which is costing mobile network operators millions of rands and depriving consumers access to communication services.”

“We wish to thank members of the SAPS for their diligent work, and we once again appeal to our communities to work with mobile network operators and law enforcement agencies to end the scourge of battery theft.”