Police officers, airport staff suspended at OR Tambo
Government is stepping things up considerably at the country's busiest airport.
Police Minister Fikile Mbalula says around 40 personnel, including seven police officers stationed at the OR Tambo International Airport have been suspended for alleged corruption and collusion.
The action follows a spike in organised crime at the airport in Kempton Park, Johannesburg.
"A number of police have been removed from active duty at this airport. The airport has already suspended employees involved in illicit commissions. The Gauteng Tourism Authority has also suspended other employees, allegedly for a similar offence. Further suspensions and disciplinary procedures are possible," says Mbalula.
Mbalula visited the airport two weeks ago.
That visit followed several robberies, reports of passenger hijackings after leaving the airport and a multimillion rand heist earlier this year.
Mbalula and State Security minister David Mahlobo briefed journalists on Friday afternoon.
They outlined their plans to improve security at the airport.
"The Airports Company South Africa has identified a number of people who need to be vetted. It's a big number. It's about 35 000 people," Mahlobo says.