Over the past few months, crime has escalated at OR Tambo International Airport requiring an extraordinary response. This is according to Police Minister,Fikile Mbalula, who was speaking at a press conference on July 21. In response, a detailed integrated multi-disciplinary tactical security plan has been approved for Ortia. “From today we have a formidable and highly implementable plan in place for this airport,” he said.
Mbalula pointed out that a number of Acsa, SAPS and Gauteng Tourism Authority employees had already been suspended amidst allegations of corruption and collusion. These were mostly based on illegal commissions being paid by hospitality establishments to certain staff for referrals. “Further suspensions and disciplinary procedures are possible,” he added.
All staff working in the airport need to be vetted, said the Minister – and that would total about 35 000 employees. This process is due to start from this week. He also said a lack of effective policing leadership was to blame for the current issues at the airport, and a more senior police officer had been put in place to lead security at OR Tambo.
“Furthermore, we support OR Tambo International Airport’s vision of constructing a centralised and integrated control room over the next few months. This will ensure that all relevant law enforcement agencies are housed in one area so that when issues of crime occur within the airport and surrounding areas they are able to respond effectively and efficiently,” said Mbalula.
“We don’t have the right attitude and approach to manage our roadways around the airport,” said Mbalula. To address this, additional EMDP officers will be deployed on routes to and from the airport precinct and CCTV cameras have been installed in strategic areas in and around the airport.
The plan was not merely an intervention, but a long-term implementable plan, said the Minister, who added that it would also be rolled out to other ports of entry.
