By Everson Luhanga
Two men were arrested following comments classified as unlawful interference with aeroplane operations.
The two men were removed from an aeroplane that had just boarded at Cape Town International Airport and was due to fly to Johannesburg on Thursday just after 5.30pm.
Two men have been arrested and charged with contravention of the Civil Aviation Act.
The pair allegedly made comments to a passenger suggesting that there was a threat on board that may endanger the safety of passengers and jeopardise the aircraft’s operations.
The cabin crew was alerted, and emergency procedures were activated.
The SAPS K9 search and rescue unit and bomb technicians, as well as the Special Task Force, were called in. A tactical approach was activated, removing the suspects from the aircraft. Passengers were also moved off the plane.
The authorities proceeded to search the aircraft, but they only found two optic scopes for rifles, which are not classified as dangerous weapons or items in terms of the Firearms Control Act.
The SAPS reminded 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 an aircraft.
“It is also an offence to communicate information known to be false to other passengers or aircraft crew. Disorderly behaviour, being in a state of intoxication and behaving violently, is also a criminal offence,” the police said.
Pictured above: Cape Town International Airport.
Source: capetownetc
