East London - Eastern Cape police have promised to crack down hard on shop owners caught selling pre-registered SIM cards without recording the details of the buyers.
East London police spokesperson Lt Col Mtati Tana was responding to questions about reports of cellphone owners being able to buy pre-registered SIM cards without producing any identification or proof of residence.
"We were not aware of this and no case has been opened. However, we will investigate the issue and urge cellphone owners who know of these shops to assist the police and report them so that we can nail these people," said Tana.
The Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-related Information Act (RICA) requires everyone that has a South African cell number to register their SIM cards by providing agents with their personal details.
During an investigation, nine shops visited in East London and Mdantsane were found selling pre-registered SIM cards for all networks for R10 - R5 more than for unregistered SIM cards.
Five of the shops visited only required the buyer to tell the vendor what their ID number was, without having to have an ID document or proof of residence.
When the RICA deadline came into effect last year, thousands of cellphone users who had not registered had their service discontinued.
Deputy Justice Minister Andr, Nel said in 2011 that his department had received reports of retailers trying to circumvent the law by buying SIM cards in bulk and then re-selling them without recording the buyers' personal details.
"They undermine the legislation and jeopardize its aim and objectives. The SIM cards in question can be traced back to them and they have to face the consequences of their actions," said Nel at the time.
Mobile phone operators who don't comply with the legislation face a fine of R100 000 for each day they fail to comply, while individuals face either a fine of R60 000 or 12 months in prison. Department spokesperson Tlali Tlali urged people to report retailers who sell pre-registered SIM cards to the police.
