So far 113 cell towers across South Africa have been damaged by vandals, according to the Independent Communications Authority of SA (ICASA). IT Web reported news of the damage, noting that cell and radio towers are casualties of a larger wave of violence, looting, and arson currently plaguing South Africa.
Condemning such actions, the ICASA stated, “Such wanton destruction of the broadcasting infrastructure and facilities represents a direct attack on the constitutional right of individuals and communities to access news and information that is accurate, unbiased and up-to-date about the current crisis.”
Chairperson, Dr Keabetswe Modimoeng, went further, pointing to a recent criminal conviction, noting, “The judgement is a clear indication that the impact of battery theft and site vandalism is of a treasonous nature.” The individual in this case was a Cape Town man found guilty of 25 counts of cell tower equipment theft. The original verdict would have resulted in 500 years of jail time. Though reduced, it is still likely that the man will spend the rest of his life in prison.
While IT Web notes that some of the attacks against cell towers are a reaction to unfounded 5G fears, they speculate that the allure of an easy profit is a more likely reason for the destruction. The batteries, copper wire, cables, and diesel sitting unguarded in base stations and cell towers may be too much temptation for a cash poor population. Hundreds of millions of South African rands (roughly seven percent of the U.S. dollar) will be needed to repair and replace the damage caused by the profiteers.
Speaking on behalf of ICASA, Modimoeng stated, “We call on the communities to assist in guarding and protecting this critical infrastructure, and to exercise the highest levels of patriotism in this regard. Any disruption of communication services could prove disastrous and result in increased mortality as emergency calls may be directly impacted.”
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