The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) shared the National Assembly’s internal question paper regarding a security breach at OR Tambo International Airport in July.
At the time, a passenger boarded a flight to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with two training hand grenades in his luggage. However, this was not discovered in South Africa but at Ethiopia’s Bole International Airport.
EFF Chief Whip in Parliament, Nontando Nolutshungu, questioned Transport Minister Barbara Creecy about the incident.
MINISTER NOT FORMALLY INFORMED
According to the document, Nolutshungu asked what steps the transport department has taken to address the baggage screening failure. In response, Creecy revealed that Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) did not formally inform her of the matter. Instead, she was notified by Ethiopian Airlines and the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA).
Creecy subsequently called for SACAA to undertake an urgent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. The probe found that the security lapse occurred in the Hold Baggage Screening area.
As a result, SACAA fined ACSA R2 million, while the contractor appointed by Aviation Coordination Services (ACS) to conduct baggage screening was fined R1.5 million. Creecy emphasised that such security lapses cannot be tolerated.
ACS AND ACSA URGED TO RESOLVE DISPUTE
The document further states that ACS was appointed for baggage screening as part of a legal process. The minister requested that ACS and ACSA engage in mediation to resolve their dispute swiftly.
While mediation proceedings remain confidential, both parties have agreed to proceed with installing backup units in line with a court order. Creecy said she is hopeful that a comprehensive settlement will be reached to ensure national and aviation security are not compromised.
DO YOU HAVE CONFIDENCE IN THE COUNTRY’S AIRPORT SECURITY SYSTEMS?
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