Man arrested after hand grenade scare at Bram Fischer Airport
The Bram Fischer International Airport in Bloemfontein on Monday (January 3) activated its evacuation alarm after a drill hand grenade was discovered in a passenger’s travel bag.
Police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Covane, told Bloemfontein Courant that a 28-year-old suspect was arrested shortly after the discovery was made.
The suspect arrived at the airport where he handed his luggage over to be searched. A G4S officer stationed at the airport placed the bag inside the X-ray scanner.
“The scanner detected the metal inside the bag and the round object was visible on the monitor. The security officer physically searched the bag and found the hand grenade,” said Covane.
Police at the airport were immediately called to the counter where a decision was taken to activate the evacuation alarm.
“The Bomb Disposal Unit were also summoned to the scene to handle the evidence and sweep the building,” added Covane.
The building has since been declared safe and operations continue as normal. A case docket for the possession of a hand grenade shell and interference with airport operations was opened. The suspect was arrested and detained.
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