King Phalo – A bomb threat triggered a major security operation at King Phalo Airport in the Eastern Cape on Wednesday after an anonymous caller alleged that an explosive device was on board an aircraft carrying 184 passengers.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed that the aircraft had landed and that all passengers had safely disembarked.
Eastern Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana said authorities received a call from an unknown person using a private number, alleging that there was a bomb on the aircraft.
“The aircraft is currently being held as part of standard security protocols. All 184 passengers on board have safely disembarked,” SAPS said in a statement.
A multidisciplinary response team was deployed to the airport to assess the threat and secure the scene.
The operation includes the Bomb Disposal Unit, K9 explosive detection dogs, hostage negotiators, disaster management officials, airport security personnel and emergency medical services.
The aircraft remains under security control while the relevant authorities investigate the threat.
Gantana said investigations into the origin of the call were under way.
“The public is advised not to speculate and to allow security agencies to conduct their work without interference,” she said.
Police said no further information was available at this stage and that updates would be provided as the investigation progressed.
It was not immediately clear whether any explosives had been found on the aircraft.
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Compiled by Glaan Sibuyi
