21 June 2024

This decision is the result of investigations carried out by the group's corporate security divisions into cases of suspected fraud or irregularities. This also led to the arrest of 15 suspects.

Of the more than 8,652 cases of suspected fraud or irregularities audited, 6,872 related to external matters and 1,780 to internal matters.

“These cases were reported and identified through various channels, including direct reports received from customers, service providers, online reports, company recommendations, the fraud management system and external whistleblowers,” said Vodacom South Africa in a statement.

According to local media, the offenses in question range from complicity in fraud linked to the identification and exchange of SIM cards, to the fraudulent provision of free airtime to relatives.

These enforcement measures are part of Vodacom Group's policy of ‘doing business ethically’ to maintain trust and ensure compliance with best practices, laws and regulations. A total of 20,558 violations were audited, 89 outsiders and contractors were subject to criminal prosecution by the company, and 1,890 employees and contractors were dismissed for violations.