Security breach at OR Tambo: ACSA moves after grenades discovered abroad

Bomb scare

Johannesburg – Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) is taking decisive action after a major security breach at OR Tambo International Airport.

A passenger who departed from the airport was found with two training hand grenades during baggage screening in Ethiopia.

ACSA confirmed in a statement on Thursday that it “was formally notified of the incident by Ethiopian Airlines, in line with international aviation protocols, after the items were detected during reverse baggage screening upon arrival”.

“In accordance with national regulatory procedures, ACSA subsequently reported the matter to the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA”

The breach occurred in the Hold Baggage Screening (HBS) area, currently operated by Aviation Coordination Services (ACS), a third-party entity with no legal contract or public procurement compliance.

ACSA has moved to terminate ACS’s services and reported the irregular arrangement to several investigative bodies, including the SIU and Auditor General.

“ACSA made the decision to terminate ACS’s services on the grounds that ACS has no legal basis or contract to carry out HBS services. Moreover, ACS is operating contrary to public procurement legislation,” the company said.

“Notwithstanding these legal issues, ACS is responsible for this lapse in security and has also accepted liability for the incident. Further, ACS instituted disciplinary proceedings against the employee responsible for the security breach.

While ACS has accepted responsibility and disciplined the involved employee, it is challenging ACSA’s decision in court.

“ACS successfully launched a Court challenge against ACSA to interdict ACSA from implementing the insourcing decision pending finalisation of a court review of ACSA’s decision. The interdict precludes ACSA from executing its mandate insofar as it pertains to operating the entire HBS. ACSA has been granted leave to appeal the interdict, and a date for the appeal is yet to be set”.

Meanwhile, ACSA has strengthened airport security in collaboration with multiple state agencies.

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Compiled by Betha Madhomu

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