Crew Security Clearances South African Style
I've recently had to apply for an airside pass at JNB. Had to fill in a form and give permission for the South African Police Services and their minions to do a background check for a criminal record amongst, God knows what, other things.
The self same Police Service is headed by a National Commissioner, who has publicly gone on record as being a good personal friend of a South African "businessman," ("they often drink tea together"), currently under house arrest and facing a murder rap as well as illegal drug smuggling (R250 million, a new SA record I believe) charges.
The accused is using him as a character reference and the commissioner has supported his "friend" in his endevours before the courts. The really scary thing is that he sees nothing wrong (Hello! Conflict of interest.) with this scenario and neither do his bosses, the Minister of Safety and Security as well as the President.
The lunatics are definitely running the asylum around here. "Viva ANC viva!" "Amandla!" and all that other cr*p. Sleep tight South Africa, your police force is on guard!