Swift response by SAPS and airport security in cargo robbery at O. R. Tambo

Leigh Gunkel-Keuler, spokesperson for O. R. Tambo International Airport says information airport management has at this stage is that at 10.55 am a group of armed men held up and overpowered security guards employed by Checkport at the Swissport warehouse at the cargo precinct. 

The robbery took place on the public access land side of the cargo precinct and the robbers did not gain access to the air side of the airport.

It is alleged that the robbers made off in a hijacked cargo truck. Members of the South African Police Services and Reshebile Protection Services responded immediately. Reshebile is contracted to provide security services to the airport.

A few kilometres from the cargo precinct, at the Kempton Park off-ramp of the highway, the robbers were confronted by SAPS members and Reshebile Security staff. Two members of the gang attempted to flee on foot. A shootout ensued in which one of the robbers was killed and another arrested.

Bob Gurr, Vice President of Swissport South Africa, confirmed that it is not known at this stage exactly how many robbers carried out the hold-up as well as what was in fact stolen as part of the robbery. The SAPS is still on the scene and investigations continue.

Gunkel-Keuler said airport management thanks both the SAPS and the Reshebile staff for their immediate response and swift action. “This speaks to the collaborative effort between Airport Management, SAPS and other key stakeholders in an attempt to arrest this very dire crime situation, we therefore want to congratulate our contracted security company, Reshebile  Protection Services and the SAPS on this very vital arrest.”