MI7 WHATSAPP SERVICES RESTORED

Pietermaritzburg security company, Mi7 National Group yesterday had its WhatsApp communication platform reinstated after the system was allegedly sabotaged in a spam attack.

The group says it is now pursuing further investigations, with the help of the police cyber crimes unit, and will be acting against those responsible for the sabotage.

The company reinstated the service with a new dedicated control room number.

Two weeks ago, WhatsApp unexpectedly banned Mi7’s WhatsApp number, which is used for community communications and managed by

Mi7’s control room.

The company said the platform is used nationally and internationally to facilitate effective communication between Mi7, other service providers and authorities, and community members.

Mi7 National Group CEO Shadrach Karien said the application allows residents to swiftly report suspicious activities and request emergency assistance.

“Following the integration into these community WhatsApp groups, Mi7 National Group established a dedicated line managed by our control room to maintain 24/7 surveillance over more than 120 groups in both the Midlands and Port Shepstone areas,” said Karien.

He said their vigilant monitoring has played a crucial role in providing rapid responses to various emergencies.

“Attempts to establish a new account were also met with bans after a day or two,” said Karien.

“After investigating these incidents, we discovered that the bans stemmed from multiple spam reports filed against us from individuals within these WhatsApp groups,” he added.

Karien said the group’s use of WhatsApp has been used strictly for urgent communications related to community security and emergency responses.

“Group administrators, who oversee these platforms, would have promptly removed any irrelevant content, further validating that our messages were appropriate and on-topic,” he said.

Karien said the group’s investigations have identified the parties responsible of these spam reports.

“These individuals did not stop at getting our number banned; they proceeded to spread false rumours directly afterwards, claiming that

Mi7 was shutting down operations in certain areas,” said Karien.

The group’s previous attempt to set up a WhatsApp line last Sunday was banned after a week.

This again was due to several reports of spam.

“We have faced additional challenges as our emergency and main office numbers have been wrongfully reported as spam on caller identification apps like Truecaller,” said Karien.

He said such actions have not only undermined their operational capabilities, but have directly endangered the lives of residents by impeding critical communication during emergencies.

“We have identified the individuals responsible for the false reports and are actively pursuing further investigations, with the assistance of the cyber crimes unit.

“We will not tolerate actions that compromise our service or the safety of our communities,” said Karien.

The new dedicated control room number is 060 955 3017.