OR Tambo Airport Heist Took Place in Cargo Area

South African Airways (SAA) has confirmed that the armed robbery, of an alleged R24-million, took place in the cargo area and not on the plane as was previously reported.

Speaking to local media, SAA spokesperson Tlali Tlali said: “The robbery took place in the restricted section of the cargo area of the airport where cargo was being prepared to be transported on an SAA aircraft.”

According to Tlali there were no delays.

South African Police Service (SAPS) and Airports Company South Africa are working closely with other security agencies to apprehend the suspects.

Hangwani Mulaudzi, spokesperson for SAPS’ priority crime division, Hawks, said: “The investigation is underway and we are not at liberty to disclose what transpired as it might influence the investigation.”

According to some local reports, an estimated R24-million in foreign currency was stolen from security GuardForce personnel as they were getting ready to transport the money to a London-bound aircraft. Others put the amount at R194-million.

Social media users have said the robbers were posing as police, and had inside information on which exits to use and which cargo containers to target.

Airports Company SA confirmed the incident last night, saying no shots were fired and that the robbers had fled the scene.