Recovered and Identified Cellular Tower Batteries Lead to Arrest
The SAPS recovered microdotted batteries valued at more than R48,000. These batteries were stolen from cell phone towers that had been microdotted by DataDot Technology SA.
Bidvest Protea Coin is currently mandated by Vodacom to oversee their assets. One of their investigators received a tip-off from his informer that the owner of a Scrap Metal Dealership in Pomona was in possession of batteries. Bidvest Protea Coin Investigators visited the Scrap Metal Dealer on the 9 April 2015 and found 8 batteries on the premises. Through the assistance of a Vodacom technician, the batteries were identified as being Vodacom Property.
The owner of the Scrap Metal dealership was arrested and detained. He was later, due to a technicality, found not guilty. The owner then provided the investigators with the details of the two men from whom he bought the batteries on the 8 April 2015.
The technician from Vodacom informed the investigators that the batteries were possibly marked with DataDots. The investigators then called on DataDot to assist with the identification of the batteries and to establish the details of the location from which they were stolen. The identification specialist from DataDot visited the SAP13 store at Kempton Park Police Station and was able to identify all 8 batteries
The key to the successful prosecution of the two suspects who sold the batteries to the scrap metal dealer was to positively identify the scene of the crime and to authenticate the microdots. This crucial piece of evidence was provided by DataDot by means of the fitment job card completed at the time of fitting the batteries. The two suspects have now been charged with theft of the batteries and the case is being prepared for court.