Passengers arrested at OR Tambo International over alleged bomb threats

According to Leigh Gunkel-Keuler, Senior Manager Corporate Affairs, OR Tambo International Airport, the passengers were detained following separate incidents at the check-in counters of a domestic airline at about 2.30pm and 5pm respectively.

“Those arrested are a 38-year-old man and a 28-year-old man. Both are South African citizens.

“The passengers involved in these separate incidents were taken to the airport’s police station and detained. They will be required to appear in the Kempton Park Magistrates Court to answer to charges of contravening the SA Civil Aviation Act.”

It is alleged that the individuals each made a bomb threat while engaging airline staff at the relevant domestic check-in counters.

Gunkel-Keuler said that the airport follows a zero-tolerance approach to bomb threats, irrespective of the circumstances.

““We are a National Key Point and adhere to global standards of airport security. There is simply no rationalisation or excuse for making bomb threats.

“The intentions or state of mind of those making the threats make no difference from a security point of view as the safety of passengers remains our number one priority.

“These passengers missed their flights and will now have to face charges. We appreciate that circumstances around reservations, flight delays and so on can be stressful.

“However, there are no conditions under which airport security will tolerate bomb threats from people unable to exercise a modicum of restraint or good judgment,” she said.