Econet demands police report before replacing SIM cards

Mobile phone subscribers who seek to replace lost or damaged SIM cards are now required to produce a police report before issued with a new SIM card.

All along subscribers were required to produce identitification particulars that match details submitted on registration forms.

Econet Wireless has since adviced its clients of the new requirement through a public notice.

"In the event that your phone or SIM card are lost, stolen or destroyed, you are now required to report any such loss, theft or destruction to your nearest police station.

"The police will issue you with a report bearing a reference number" said the mobile operator.

"Econet can only assist you with replacement of the line upon production of positive identification and the referenced police report.

"In the case of corporates or organizations, a letter duly signed by the authorized person confirming loss, theft or destruction of SIM card and the referenced police report must be be produced" reads the public notice.

It's not clear whether Telecel and NetOne are implementing the same requirement.

Some mobile users have said the new police requirement is cumbersome claiming that police stations are not user friendly.