Security to be increased at OR Tambo

OVER the past few months,
crime had escalated at OR
Tambo International Airport,
requiring an extraordinary
response, Police Minister,
Fikile Mbalula, said
recently.
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.
The Minister said a
number of Acsa, SAPS and
Gauteng Tourism Authority
employees had already
been suspended amid
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 airport staff – about
35 000 employees –
needed to be vetted, said
the Minister, and this was
due to start soon. He said
a lack of effective policing
leadership was to blame
for the current issues at
the airport and that a more
senior police officer had
been put in place.