SAA considers additional security on Hong Kong route

AFTER three confirmed
incidents of
pilferage and theft
on board flights between
Johannesburg (JHB) and
Hong Kong (HKG), SAA is
considering introducing
additional security
measures and procedures
in order to counteract
the reoccurrence of such
incidents. Tlali Tlali,
spokesperson for SAA,
told TNW the episodes
that occurred within three
weeks of one another.
Two occurred en route
from HKG to JHB and
one en route from JHB
to HKG. “The incidents
occurred within a short
space of time on one route
and has therefore raised
suspicion that a syndicate
could be involved,”
said Tlali.
“We are exploring a
number of practical
interventions to eliminate
their reoccurrence,”
Tlali added.
The issue was first
raised in December when
a witness reported a
suspected act of pilferage
aboard a JHB - HKG flight.
SAA has established
contact with the victim and
have initiated processes
to recover the victim’s
belongings.
The second incident
occurred on December 24
aboard a HKG-JHB flight.
The suspect was
restrained and then
arrested on arrival in
Johannesburg. The
suspect has since been
banned from flying on SAA,
says Tlali.
The third incident is
alleged to have occurred
in January and is currently
under investigation.