Since 2020, law enforcement agencies have conducted just 27 investigations into serious crimes linked to SIM card fraud, resulting in only one arrest (later withdrawn) and zero convictions. This shocking revelation, disclosed in a recent parliamentary response from the Minister of Police, exposes a critical failure in the Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-Related Information Act (RICA).
Unregistered SIMs: A Gateway for Crime
Every year, thousands of cases involving extortion, kidnapping, murder, and financial fraud are tied to unregistered SIM cards. Yet, the near-total absence of prosecutions signals a systemic breakdown in enforcement.
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62% of extortion cases involve unregistered SIMs.
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58% of mobile banking fraud incidents stem from SIM swaps.
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Zero RICA convictions embolden criminals, undermining public safety and South Africa’s efforts to exit the FATF grey list.
Fragmented Oversight Fuels the Crisis
The lack of centralized enforcement exacerbates the problem, with responsibilities split between:
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ICASA (Independent Communications Authority of South Africa)
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DCDT (Department of Communications and Digital Technologies)
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DoJ&CD (Department of Justice and Constitutional Development)
President Ramaphosa’s recent referral of the RICA Amendment Bill back to Parliament presents a critical opportunity to fix these flaws.
Urgent Reforms Needed
To combat SIM-related crime, South Africa must adopt a multi-pronged approach:
- Tamper-proof SIM packaging & strict point-of-sale verification
- Stronger distributor/reseller accountability
- Biometric verification (requiring Home Affairs collaboration)
Call to Action: Fix RICA Now
The Portfolio Committee on Justice must engage key stakeholders, including:
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Government departments (Justice, Communications, Police, Home Affairs, National Treasury)
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Industry leaders & civil society
“Strengthening the RICA Bill is not just about regulation—it’s about national security, economic stability, and public trust,” says Farhad Khan, Independent Telecommunications Consultant. “South Africa must act now to curb SIM crime, secure financial systems, and exit the FATF grey list.”
The time for reform is now—before more lives and livelihoods are lost to unchecked SIM fraud.
- Farhad Khan, Independent Telecommunications Consultant
