CAPE TOWN - A home affairs official has been arrested at OR Tambo International Airport for allegedly facilitating the illegal entry of Bangladeshi nationals into the country.
Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) said it worked with a range of law enforcement agencies to help bring the official to book.
General Mzwandile Petros, Acas’s Group Executive for Enterprise Security, was accompanied by Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi and law enforcement agencies during the arrest.
"Airports are critical government assets and a key point of entry - transporting passengers, goods and services within and outside of our borders. Its business, by its nature, is highly complex, with security fundamental and at the heart of what we do. Consequently, persons that are found entering South Africa illegally, will be charged with illegal entry and thus a criminal offence," Acsa said.
"This includes the syndicated groups of people involved in moving people illegally across our borders through our airports. Immigration detention policies and practices are in place within ACSA and will continuously be scrutinised to strengthen our security role."
Petros said: "ACSA will continue to work around the clock, and collaboratively with law enforcement agencies to bring to book any employee or official who transgresses the law. I hope that the arrest of this home affairs official sends a strong warning that no illegal activities will be tolerated at our airports. Keeping our passengers safe is our priority. My team and I will continue to work with all airport security stakeholders to ensure that there are no security breaches at our airports."
Cape Times