/ 30 November 2007

Acsa launches crime-busting weekend

Fifteen people were arrested during a crime-fighting operation at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport on Friday, said the Airports Company South Africa (Acsa).

”Fifteen people have so far been arrested and 10 vehicles have been impounded following the launch of an operation targeting illegal public transport operators, hawkers and porters,” said Acsa spokesperson Tasniem Patel.

Patel said the operation — which was launched on Friday — will end on Monday.

The operation is a joint effort of Acsa, the South African Police Service, Ekurhuleni metro police and Gauteng traffic police.

Patel said approved operators display the Acsa logo on their vehicles and are available outside the international and domestic arrivals terminals, while approved porters wear bright orange uniforms and navy-blue shirts and have Acsa-issued identification cards.

General manager at the airport Tebogo Mekgoe said: ”In the interest of sweeping OR Tambo clean of illegal transport, trading and porter operators, we’re appealing to all who plan on visiting the airport this weekend to be patient, as access to the airport’s domestic and international terminal buildings will be strictly controlled by the police.” — Sapa