View Full Version : OR Tambo Airport robberies breakthrough
Dear all, this no intention to restart the unpleasant debates on previous similar thread but to share the good news with foreign travellers about progress made with investigations into robberies of foreigners travelling through ORTIA. Unfortunately it seems these robbers arrested are foreigners.
Dear Mods, if this again evolves please bin before it can have a chance to.
Reported News24:
Four held for airport robberies
2007-12-5 20:00
Johannesburg - Four men were arrested in Johannesburg on Wednesday in connection with a string of robberies of tourists at OR Tambo International Airport, police said.
"The men were arrested in Hillbrow and Yeoville around 02:00 this morning," said Sergeant Sanku Tsunke.
"The Johannesburg organised crime unit followed up on information that was given to them, and later established the whereabouts of these men."
Police were investigating several cases in which foreigners were attacked after arriving in South Africa.
"The gang follows their victims from the airport before robbing them...We have recovered suitcases full of clothes and jewellery, as well as cellphones. We found two unlicenced firearms as well," Tsunke said. The men are expected to appear in the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court on Friday. :D
dudleydick
5th Dec 2007, 18:22
and the "insiders" at ORTIA who allegedly tipped them off as to whom to rob?
With the apprehension of the robbers it can be assumed that they or at least one in the group with spill the beans (plea bargain) about their organisation, modus operandi, other crimes, and the insiders who were/are collaborating with them.
One swallow doesnt make a summer but at laest it is a beginning.
Many nationalities from Africa, and other tourists from all over the world are targeted by these syndicates. Its not just aimed at Nigerian visitors.
Parrot
5th Dec 2007, 21:02
I caught a taxi from ORTIA to JHB recently. The taxi driver was full of stories (as are most taxi drivers) about how crime goes down at ORTIA. He commented that the only people ever arrested are those that are not paying the right people.
Perhaps this latest lot were behind on payments !
B Sousa
5th Dec 2007, 21:42
With the apprehension of the robbers it can be assumed that they or at least one in the group with spill the beans (plea bargain) about their organisation, modus operandi, other crimes, and the insiders who were/are collaborating with them.
I think what you can "assume" is that they will probably be from somewhere other than SA, they will be released on minimal bail, and they will disappear.......
All of the above "if they" can pay off the right COPS.
Proof that the crime is not only directed against Nigerian visitors:
From News24
Ex-Miss Thailand robbed in Jhb
2007-12-6 12:40
Johannesburg - Police on Thursday were hunting for the bogus "policemen" who allegedly robbed a former Miss Thailand and her entourage on their way to open a Thai temple in Johannesburg of more than R60 000. The group of 30 Thai tourists arrived at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on November 10, and were en route to the foundation-laying ceremony of the Wat Buddha Johannesburg temple.
Note: Interesting, this and many robberies are committed by bogus policemen. Unless caught and arrested - how will/do they know they were bogus policemen?
B Sousa
6th Dec 2007, 14:16
bogus policemen
Key word here being "Bogus". It could be defined as the real cops will settle for a bribe, the "Bogus" ones take everything.
This morning also announced that company Equity Aviation's baggage handling at all SA Airports Company airport's not being renewed due inefficieny and largely because Equity has not done enough to curb and curtail baggage pilferage and theft from baggage.
Finally some concrete efforts to to try and improve the pathetic situation of crime at South African Airports. Some steps in right direction, lets hope follow through and some will be done also against corrupt cops, customs, and immigrations officials.
Christo
7th Dec 2007, 04:29
So now these bagage handlers is theatening strike action!!! I mean FFS why did they not report their collegues when they were stealling when they had the chance?!?!?
RobinB
7th Dec 2007, 06:02
Logic at it's best, what ??? :D:ugh::confused:
B Sousa
7th Dec 2007, 15:14
lets hope follow through and some will be done also against corrupt cops, customs, and immigrations officials
Probably a little bit late for that.
QUOTE
This morning also announced that company Equity Aviation's baggage handling at all SA Airports Company airport's not being renewed due inefficieny and largely because Equity has not done enough to curb and curtail baggage pilferage and theft from baggage.
This is true. Equity will not be on the airport doing baggage handling, ground handling, etc. Licenses were issued to Menzies and
Bidair. A third license will probably be issued and this is most likely going to Swissport. Nothing will change however, as the majority of Equity's staff were contract workers and the same labour brokers are already in discussions with the new companies to supply them with the same staff Equity had. So, new companies but same S:mad:t! In effect nothing but staff uniforms will change! Dont you just love wallpapering over defects? Also, TH at Equity has been aware of this for some months but has chosen to incite his staff instead. This is the same guy who once offered to show the then-SAA CEO how to run a business!