A multimillion-rand robbery took place at OR Tambo International Airport at about 7.45pm on Tuesday night.
Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) released a short statement confirming the armed robbery, reports the
Kempton Express.
“No shots were fired and no injuries have been reported. The robbers fled and it is not known at this stage what, if anything, was taken during the incident,” the statement read.
“South African Police Service (SAPS) and Airports Company South Africa are working closely with other security agencies to apprehend the suspects. The investigation is at an early stage. Updates will be provided when more information is available.”
Unconfirmed reports state around R24-million in US Dollars was stolen shortly after an South African Airways (SAA) aircraft landed with the cash.
It is alleged a marked police vehicle was used during the heist, as well as a white Mercedes-Benz and double cab.
African News Agency further reported that the SAPS spokesperson Colonel Athlenda Mathe had said they did not know what was stolen at this stage. The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) in Gauteng has reportedly sent a commander to the scene and also could not confirm how much money was stolen.
The Boksburg Advertiser reports that SAA spokesperson, Tlali Tlali, said the robbery took place on the ‘air-side’ section of airport premises.
The air-side of the airport is restricted zone, and the land-side is the section open to the public.
He also said it happened at the time before the consignment which contained high value items was due to be loaded to the aircraft. Therefore at the time when it happened the aircraft was nowhere near.
“It is important to allow law enforcement agencies to investigate rather than speculate about who might be involved,” said Tlali.
It is understood the police have not ruled out the possibility that the heist was an inside job.
Acsa spokesperson Trevor Jones did confirm there had been a robbery, but he could not confirm the amount of money stolen.
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