Passenger safety concerns at airport

WHILE many South Africans have reacted with shock to news of a significant security breach at the busy OR Tambo International Airport in Kempton Park, the SA Cabin Crew Association believes there is cause for concern.

- JONISAYI MAROMO

IOL reported this week that a passenger passed through security at the airport carrying two training hand grenades in their checked baggage, which were only discovered upon arrival at Bole International Airport in Ethiopia.

In a statement issued to the media, Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) confirmed that it “was formally notified of the incident by Ethiopian Airlines, in line with international aviation protocols, after the items were detected during reverse baggage screening upon arrival”.

On Friday, president of the SA Cabin Crew Association, advocate Christopher Shabangu, told Newzroom Afrika that OR Tambo International Airport is a national key point, and one expects the facility to be a secure place.