Multidisciplinary approach set in motion to prevent crime at airports

JOHANNESBURG - A multidisciplinary approach has been set in motion to prevent crime at airports during the peak travel season.

Airports are now witnessing their highest passenger influx of the year, with more than 20,000 travellers expected to pass through South African airports on Friday alone.

To ensure safety Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), the Border Management Authority (BMA), and the police have deployed extra boots on the ground.

Nearly 20 people have been arrested at OR Tambo International Airport since August for possessing contraband.

ALSO READ: ACSA CEO worried about 'personal attacks' directed at her after flight delays at airports

In most cases, x-ray machines revealed that drug mules swallowed packets of drugs in an attempt to smuggle them into the country.

General Mzwandile Petros, ACSA’s head of security says his teams are fully prepared to quickly identify and arrest those involved in criminal activity during the peak travel season.

"We planned to have people, others in uniform and others not in uniform, to monitor the space when they leave the airport and whenthey arrive at the airport."

He added that many people in one airport create an environment ripe for criminal activity.

Between now and Christmas Eve, more than 380,000 passengers are expected to travel through the country’s airports.