Upgraded security plan for OR Tambo
Government is swinging into action to improve safety at the country's biggest airport.
It follows a spike in organised crime at the OR Tambo International Airport in recent months.
Police minister Fikile Mbalula and state security minister David Mahlobo briefed the media on Friday.
They outlined their plans to improve security at the airport.
The plan to improve safety includes vetting all staff working at the airport.
Mahlobo says this process will begin on Monday.
"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.
This number includes people working for service providers and contractors.
Staff from car hire companies, restaurants, and airlines are also set to be vetted.
There's been several robberies, reports of passenger hijackings after leaving the airport as well as a multimillion rand heist at the airport earlier this year.
Mbalula says more than 40 personnel, including seven police officers, 34 information desk clerks and eight Gauteng Tourism officials have been suspended for alleged corruption and collusion.
"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," Mbalula says.