Nokia is advising mobile phone owners to check whether their devices are powered by a Nokia-branded BL-5C battery, manufactured by Matsushita Battery Industrial Company of Japan, between December 2005 and November 2006.
But it is unable to say how many of the batteries may be in SA.
"This is a global issue and we hope the advisory we issued will address the situation," a Nokia spokesman said in a statement in response to the question. "It is important to understand this advisory is limited to a specific battery model, from a single manufacturer, during a limited time period. We do not have country-specific details."
In a statement issued in Finland, the company says it has identified that "in very rare cases" the batteries "could potentially experience overheating initiated by a short circuit while charging, causing the battery to dislodge". No serious injuries or property damage have been reported.
"Consumers with a BL-5C battery subject to this advisory should note that all of the approximately 100 incidents have occurred while charging the battery. According to Nokia's knowledge, this issue does not affect any other use of the mobile device."
In order to determine if a battery is subject to this advisory, it is necessary to remove the battery from the device, the company says.
Replacement battery
A Nokia battery will have "Nokia" and "BL-5C" printed on the front of the battery. On the reverse, the Nokia mark appears at the top and the battery identification number (consisting of 26 characters) is found at the bottom.
Consumers should refer to this identification number to determine if their battery is among the batteries manufactured by Matsushita between December 2005 and November 2006. A comparison of that number with those subject to this advisory will determine a consumer's ability to obtain a replacement free of charge.
Any Nokia consumer who is currently using a Nokia product containing a BL-5C battery subject to the product advisory can request a replacement battery free of charge.
"Customers who would like to check if their BL-5C battery is subject to the advisory should visit the Web site or contact their local Nokia call centre in SA - the number is 0861 1 NOKIA or 0861 1 66542," the company says.
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