Johannesburg, 14 Feb 2005
Vodacom today announced that South Africa`s Leading Cellular Network will, effective 1 March 2005, be implementing a blacklisting policy on stolen or lost cellphones and SIM cards.
Says Mthobi Tyamzashe, Chief Communications Officer, Vodacom: "Vodacom are cognisant that this issue is an important one and recognise that the involvement of both the Department of Safety and Security and the South African Police Services (SAPS), is vital in combating cellular theft and fraud. Blacklisting will go a long way to counteracting this growing crime, but also provide peace of mind to our Vodacom customers that their cellphone or SIM card is not in use fraudulently.
"The process is relatively simple, should a Vodacom subscriber either lose or have a cellphone stolen, they should immediately report the loss to the Vodacom 24hour customer care centre by calling 082 111 from a land line, or 111 from any Vodacom handset. This will ensure that no further calls can be made on the number concerned. At the same time, subscribers must request that the cellphone be blacklisted, whereupon, a Blacklisting Reference Number will be issued for insurance purposes and for reporting to the SAPS," he added.
He also stressed that subscribers should ensure that they take out insurance on their handsets and keep their serial numbers in a safe place.
He added that one of the key focus areas of The Vodacom Foundation is to investigate the use of cellular telephony in the area of Safety and Security and that Vodacom were proud sponsors and participants in the Business Against Crime Initiative.
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