The escalating threat to South Africa’s communications infrastructure is a concern shared by all South Africans, with cellphone towers prime targets for theft and vandalism. This crisis daily disrupts vital services and costs the country millions in repairs, replacements, and security upgrades. As a dynamic security company established in 2017, we are rising to the challenge of safeguarding these crucial assets, armed with innovative solutions and unwavering dedication.
The scale of the problem is staggering. In the Eastern Cape alone, a major mobile operator reported 390 base stations vandalised in 2022, with some hit up to 15 times. The thieves’ primary targets are most often the backup batteries, which are crucial during South Africa’s frequent loadshedding power outages – much of the crime carried out by sophisticated criminal syndicates.
Our approach to tower protection is multifaceted, built on the foundation of our extensive experience in other security sectors. Our system, which integrates CCTV, motion sensors, and AI-driven analytics to detect and respond to threats swiftly, provides real-time alerts to clients, response services, or our rapid response teams.
But we know technology alone isn’t enough. We believe in the power of community engagement, a strategy that has proven effective in our other security operations. We’re actively working with local residents, fostering a sense of ownership and encouraging vigilance. Amongst other things, our team has launched initiatives to educate communities about the impact of these crimes and set up easy reporting channels.
Collaboration too is at the heart of our strategy. We work closely with law enforcement, sharing intelligence and supporting investigations, which has already led to several arrests and the disruption of these syndicates targeting infrastructure.
Our services extend far beyond tower monitoring, however. We offer vehicle tracking and recovery, with our PSIRA-registered tactical recovery agents boasting an impressive recovery rate. Our guarding and escorting services provide tailored security solutions for commercial properties, assets, and individuals. We also offer riot control capabilities, risk assessment services, and even investigative and verification services for corporate clients. It’s this diverse experience that has equipped us with the skills and knowledge to tackle the unique challenges of tower protection.
At the core of our operations is our state-of-the-art EyeCentre control room, the nerve centre of our remote monitoring operations. We’ve even established a fallback control room to ensure uninterrupted service, setting us apart from competitors vulnerable to outages.
Sites under our protection have experienced a significant drop in incidents, and clients across various sectors are taking notice. With creativity, commitment, and community engagement, we believe we can turn the tide against various security threats, including those posed by organised criminal syndicates. It’s a challenge we’re ready and eager to meet, every day.