Telecom fraud is costing South Africa an estimated R5.3 billion annually, with SIM swap attacks contributing, amongst others, for 60% of mobile banking breaches. In the face of these escalating losses, the Communication Risk Information Centre (COMRiC) has released its 2025 Sector Report, a landmark publication that paints a detailed picture of the mounting risks, measurable industry progress, and the urgent national action now required.
The report marks a significant moment in COMRiC’s five-year journey as the leading industry body focused on crime and risk intelligence in the telecom sector. It highlights a surge in criminal activity targeting both digital systems and physical infrastructure, with cyberattacks increasing by 126% globally and fraud in South African telecom-linked transactions rising by 78% from 2022 to 2023. Infrastructure sabotage particularly the theft of copper cables and lithium batteries continues to inflict billions in economic damage, destabilising network uptime, emergency services, and national connectivity.
As COMRiC enters its sixth year, its role as a convenor, watchdog, and strategic partner in telecom resilience is more vital than ever. With stronger collaboration, improved compliance, and public education, the sector has a real opportunity to turn the tide and to protect the networks that power South Africa’s digital economy.
This article originally appeared on South Africa Today. Click here to read the full story.