Telkom hit by massive sabotage

Telkom has been hit by a series of attacks which the company has called “acts of sabotage”, and is offering a R500,000 reward for information on the incidents.

“A number of Telkom facilities around the country were yesterday targeted in a series of acts of sabotage,” said Telkom.

“Facilities in Midrand, Pretoria West, Silverton, Durban, Pinetown, Pietermaritzburg, Makhado, and Messina were sabotaged.”

Telkom said those responsible for the attacks “knew what they were doing”.

“Cables have been cut to cause maximum damage. Entire street distribution cabinets have been ripped apart and, in a few instances yesterday, set on fire.”

Specialist equipment was used to access fibre cables at certain of the targeted areas, equipment which is not widely available.

“The SAPS are currently pursuing a number of good leads to identify these saboteurs,” said Telkom.

Telkom is offering a R500,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the saboteurs.

CWU strike

Telkom noted that the “acts of sabotage” have taken place while Communication Workers Union (CWU) employees are on strike.

The striking workers recently blocked access to Telkom offices and facilities, with employees barred from entering their places of work, said Telkom.

The company subsequently obtained a court interdict to prevent striking workers from negatively influencing Telkom’s operations.

“The union is demanding an 11% increase for all bargaining unit employees,” said Telkom.

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