Mobile and fixed-line Telkom customers in Limpopo were left without Internet connectivity yesterday after the network was sabotaged.
The company says it was not cable theft, but rather a considered act of "sabotage".
"Three significant cable breaks occurred but this was not cable theft. This was the targeted and considered action of a person or persons who knew where to go, how to access the fibre and how to do the most damage. This was sabotage," says Jacqui O'Sullivan, Telkom group spokesperson.
"Technicians were immediately despatched to the sites where the fibre cables were cut and they have been working through the night to restore connectivity."
Telkom has reported the matter to the police as well as the Department of State Security.
The government department has bolstered security at key communication points.
Telkom has also announced a R250 000 reward for any information leading to the successful prosecution of the perpetrators.
"The Criminal Matters Amendment Act has created a new offence to criminalise damage to essential infrastructure or interfering with the functioning of basic services through criminal activity. We will vigorously pursue this investigation and will make sure that the full might of the law is brought to bear on any person involved in this crime," says O'Sullivan.
Any information can be reported to the Telkom emergency hotline on 0800 124 000.
Share