An SAA hostess accused of stealing travellers cheques, jewellery and an undisclosed sum of cash from a passenger's hand luggage appears on a theft charge in court on Monday.
The 26-year-old was arrested on Friday afternoon shortly after she disembarked from an SAA long-haul flight from London to Cape Town.
"We were tipped off by someone (who allegedly saw) what had happened. The hostess was searched during a check at the arrivals terminal. She had in her possession travellers cheques to the value of R20 000, a gold ring valued at R10 000 and some cash and was arrested on suspicion of being in possession of stolen property," police spokesperson Randall Stoffels said.
Approached for comment SAA spokesperson Onkgopotse Tabane said: "The person faces a charge of theft. We view this matter in a very serious light. When something like this happens we discipline the employee, but I do not want to pre-empt this matter as it is under investigation."