Telkom employees indicted with vandalism

By Dave Glazier for Telkom
Johannesburg, 08 Jun 2006

One of Telkom`s employees has resigned after being implicated in the in the recent spate of infrastructure vandalism, while another is under police investigation, says the telco`s managing executive for network centre operations Theo Hess.

"We conducted internal investigations, and we have identified two individuals. One of whom has resigned," he says.

Hess confirms that both are Telkom employees, but declines to comment on motives or possible union involvement. No criminal charges have been laid at this stage.

The damage was caused during a prolonged wage strike by members of the Communications Workers Union (CWU) during April and May, but the fixed-line utility has been loathe to officially link the two incidents.

However, the company did acknowledge it appeared the vandalism was carried out by individuals "who knew what they were doing".

Managing executive of corporate communications, Lulu Letlape, explains that Telkom does not wish to interfere with the police investigations and thus cannot disclose details.

Cable breakage

Hess did not rule out the possibility of more Telkom employees being identified in the vandalism attacks, in which 65 street distribution cabinets (SDCs) in different regions throughout SA were damaged.

In addition, fixed-line and mobile communication in parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Botswana were affected by cable breakage, severely limiting incoming and outgoing voice capabilities during the early stages of the strike in early April.

"If anything surfaces we cannot ignore it," he says, explaining that internal investigations will be reopened if the company deems it necessary.

Ascertaining the total cost of the vandalism to the company is a difficult exercise, he adds, noting it is not possible to distinguish the costs of SDC repairs from Telkom`s everyday maintenance expenses.

Hess also confirms all the SDCs were fixed some weeks ago, and commends staff for their fast response: "We`ve done the best we can under difficult circumstances."

The CWU has denied any knowledge or involvement in the vandalism, challenging Telkom to produce evidence of its members` involvement.