Two arrested following security threat at Cape Town International Airport

It’s understood they made comments to a passenger suggesting that there is a threat on board that may endanger the safety of passengers and jeopardise operations on the aircraft.

The police bomb squad was deployed to the airport and passengers and crew were taken off the flight for a sweep to be conducted.

The FlySafair flight was enroute to OR Tambo International Airport on Thursday.

“SAPS K9 and Bomb technicians as well as the Special Task Force were called in. A tactical approach was activated, and the suspects were removed from the aircraft. Passengers were also moved by the airline, said police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe.

“SAPS K9 and Bomb Technicians proceeded to clear the aircraft where they only found two optic scopes for rifles which are not classified as dangerous weapons or items in terms of the Firearms Control Act of 2000.

Mathe said the public is urged to refrain from making any comments that may cause unnecessary panic during flights.

“The SAPS reminds passengers and airport users that it is an offence to commit an act of violence, including an assault or threat, whether of a physical or verbal nature, against any person including a crew member which is likely to endanger the safety of that aircraft.

“It is also an offense to communicate information which he or she knows to be false to other passengers or aircraft crew. Disorderly behaviour, being in a state of intoxication and behaving in a violent manner is also a criminal offense”.

The men have been charged with contravention of the Civil Aviation Act.

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