Two SA passengers arrested for making bomb threats at OR Tambo

It can be tough to break the ice when you’re face to face with airport check-in staff at OR Tambo. But surely, there’s no situation that can be made better with a bomb threat?

This, however, was the logic applied by two South Africans traveling from the Joburg airport yesterday. The passengers were detained following two separate incidents at the check-in counters of a domestic airline.

Was this a genuine threat to security?

The first incident occurred at 14:30, and the second one happened at around 17:00. Judging by the reaction given to the media by OR Tambo spokesman Leigh Gunkel-Keuler, the incidents seemed to be misdemeanours gone wrong.

“The airport follows a zero-tolerance approach to bomb threats, irrespective of the circumstances. We adhere to global standards of airport security.

There is simply no rationalization 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. The safety of passengers remains our number one priority.

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

What next for the bomb hoax pair?

Both men, aged 38 and 26 respectively, went on to miss their scheduled flights as they were detained and questioned. The pair must now appear in the Kempton Park Magistrates Court to answer to charges of contravening the SA Civil Aviation Act.

It’s airport etiquette rule number one, isn’t it? Don’t even mention the word bomb. Not to your friends, your family or any staff unless you have a genuine security concern.