Airports breaches prompt Acsa to suspend security chief

Mzwandile Petros suspended over potential misconduct linked to R1 billion tender

- BANELE GININDZA

THE Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) has temporarily suspended its Group Executive for Enterprise Security and Compliance, Mzwandile Petros, amid growing concerns over potential misconduct linked to a R1 billion tender for Smart Security screening equipment.

The suspension, announced over the weekend, follows alarming allegations suggesting manipulation of the X-ray screening contract, which allegedly left the OR Tambo International Airport vulnerable without a tactical response team.

Inside sources told Business Report that Petros was instrumental in the now backfiring decision made in March to termine contracts with all security providers, including Bidvest, Fidelity, Mafoko, Eagle Eye, Venus Securitas, and G4S in a bid to insource its security requirements by July, which failed due to lack of capacity and a proper due diligence.

"The South African Civil Aviation Authority had to intervene and stop the process as ACSA was not compliant and did not understand how the screener certification process works, they were issued aaRL1.5 million fine for noncompliance. Regarding the failed insourcing at KSIA airport, Fidelity was called urgently back to rescue the situation." the sources said.

Acsa insisted in response to enquiries on Tuesday that to preserve the integrity of this process, ensure a fair and orderly process, and not to compromise the investigation, it cannot provide any further information until the investigation is concluded.