25-07-2025
Airport security breached as training grenades slip through OR Tambo
Airport security breached as training grenades slip through OR Tambo
Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) is putting stricter measures in place following a security breach at OR Tambo International Airport after a passenger was found in possession of two training hand grenades in Ethiopia.
The Witness reports that the breach came to light when Ethiopian Airlines notified Acsa that a passenger who had departed from OR Tambo International Airport was found with the training grenades during reverse baggage screening at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
This triggered immediate reporting to the South African Civil Aviation Authority, as required by national protocols.
'This breach occurred within the hold baggage screening (HBS) area, which is currently under the operational control of Aviation Coordination Services (ACS),' said Acsa in a statement released yesterday.
Acsa has clarified that ACS is a third-party entity governed by the Airlines Association of Southern Africa and the Board of Airline Representatives of South Africa.
'ACS has no legal basis or contract to carry out HBS services and operates contrary to public procurement legislation,' said Acsa.
The company has moved to terminate ACS's services, citing violations of the Constitution, the Airports Company Act 44 of 1993, the Civil Aviation Act 13 of 2009 and other regulations.
ACS has accepted liability for the incident and has taken disciplinary action against the employee involved.
In the interim, Acsa said it has ramped up airport security and is collaborating with law enforcement agencies, the Border Management Agency, SAPS, the State Security Agency, and the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department.
The measures include increased surveillance, enhanced oversight and ongoing staff training to prevent future lapses.
'We remain unwavering in our commitment to passenger safety and aviation integrity,' Acsa stated.
The company has issued a tender to in-source HBS operations. But ACS has launched a court challenge that currently blocks Acsa from implementing this decision.
Acsa has since been granted leave to appeal the interdict.
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