Audio By Carbonatix
Electronics giant Samsung has "blocked" TVs stolen in South Africa during the unrest in July, rendering them unusable.
The company says it has an inbuilt “block function” on its TVs that can be used to disable the sets remotely.
The function is activated when a user of a stolen TV or one that has been acquired unlawfully connects to the internet, according to Samsung.
The system checks the identified TV’s serial number against the list on its servers before disabling its functionality.
South Africa had weeks of violent protests and looting last month that left more than 300 people dead, and property worth billions of rands ransacked.
Some of the reportedly popular items that were stolen were smart TVs.
The ability to remotely disable TV function has received some praise among online users for its potential use to deter crime, with some also noting its potential for abuse.
One person noted that Samsung was taking "electronic revenge" on looters of its TV sets, while another said it was more reason "never to connect a TV set to the internet".
Latest Stories
-
England are tough, but we can play against Ghana, Panama – Croatia coach reacts to World Cup draw
2 hours -
We can beat anyone – Otto Addo reacts to World Cup draw
2 hours -
GPL 2025/26: Mensah brace fires All Blacks to victory over Eleven Wonders
3 hours -
This Saturday on Newsfile: Petitions against the OSP, EC heads, and 2025 WASSCE results
4 hours -
Ambassador urges U.S. investors to prioritise land verification as Ghana courts more investment
4 hours -
Europe faces an expanding corruption crisis
4 hours -
Ghana’s Dr Bernard Appiah appointed to WHO Technical Advisory Group on alcohol and drug epidemiology
5 hours -
2026 World Cup: Ghana drawn against England, Croatia and Panama in Group L
5 hours -
3 dead, 6 injured in Kpando–Aziave road crash
5 hours -
Lightwave eHealth accuses Health Ministry of ‘fault-finding’ and engaging competitor to audit its work
5 hours -
Ayewa Festival ignites Farmers Day with culture, flavour, and a promise of bigger things ahead
5 hours -
Government to deploy 60,000 surveillance cameras nationwide to tackle cybercrime
5 hours -
Ghana DJ Awards begins 365-day countdown to 2026 event
5 hours -
Making Private University Charters Optional in Ghana: Implications and Opportunities
5 hours -
Mampong tragedy: Students among 30 injured as curve crash kills three
5 hours