A number of new policing and security measures have been implemented at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, Fikile Mbalula, South Africa’s Police Minister, has announced. This is in response to a spate of recent incidents of crime at the airport.
Various incidents have occurred or originated at OR Tambo. On Monday there was an attempted robbery at the airport, and many ‘follow home’ crimes have been reported, where victims are spotted and targeted at the airport, with the attackers then tailing their chosen targets.
The measures will include increased vetting of airport employees and the permanent deployment of a senior police officer. There will also be a greater presence of Metro police officials and members of crime intelligence, the detective service and the Hawks.
Minister Mbalula visited OR Tambo and met with airport management about the nature of the crimes being committed, and said that similar security measures to those that were in place around the 2010 Soccer World Cup would be implemented.
“We further discussed and reached agreement that it is critical to ensure that, as part of the long-term, sustainable security plan, all people that work at the airport need to be effectively vetted, so that we have a greater appreciation of who is working at the airport,” he said.
On July 21 the Minister will meet with all the South African government agencies within the security cluster to set out a plan to enhance airport’s security.
Sisa Ntshona, SA Tourism CEO, has welcomed the plans to enhance police presence at the airport, saying: “OR Tambo is one of the key entry points into South Africa and our continent. Because tourism is such an important driver of inclusive growth in our economy, we want all airline passengers to feel safe, secure and relaxed when they arrive, travel within and depart from South Africa.”
