Grenade saga: ACS accuses ACSA of having blocked critical screening upgrades at OR Tambo Airport.
Image: File
Aviation Coordination Services (ACS) has hit back at Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), accusing it of having blocked important upgrades to baggage screening equipment at OR Tambo International Airport.
This comes after a passenger managed to board an Ethiopian Airlines flight from Johannesburg on May 25 with two training grenades in their checked luggage, only for the items to be discovered upon arrival in Addis Ababa.
The company also denied that ACSA has the right to terminate its "provision of services" for hold baggage screening at the airport, adding that it has been providing hold baggage screening at the airport for over 25 years and is the legally approved service provider.
However, ACSA disputes this claim, arguing that ACS operates without a valid contract and is in breach of procurement laws.
In 2023, ACSA decided to insource the hold baggage screening (HBS) function, but was temporarily blocked by a court interdict obtained by ACS. According to the company, the matter is now set for mediation under the Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy.
ACS said that the recent security breach involving training grenades was due to human error, but could have been avoided if ACSA had permitted upgrades to the screening equipment.
"For the past eight years, ACSA has prevented ACS from replacing HBS equipment at airports with more advanced and reliable screening technology.
"Had ACS been permitted to carry out the long-term HBS equipment upgrade and replacement, the security incident that took place on 25 May may well have been avoided," the company said.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Next
Stay
Close ✕
ACS also claimed that "as a result of ACSA's refusals to allow it to replace the HBS equipment, ACS had to resort to bringing several urgent proceedings before the High Court in an attempt to force ACSA to permit the interim replacement of Level 3 back-up machines".
"ACS was successful in these proceedings and obtained three consecutive court orders against ACSA between November 2024 and May 2025".
However, ACSA described this claim as "factually incorrect," stating that any replacement of HBS equipment must be approved by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA).
ACSA added that SACAA has previously communicated to ACS that it lacks the authority to replace HBS equipment, as ACS is not an airport operator.
"ACSA had issued a tender worth approximately R3.1 billion for the replacement of the entire HBS equipment. However, ACS obtained an interdict blocking ACSA from adjudicating the tender until the court's review of ACSA's decision to insource," ACSA said.
ACS also accused ACSA of delaying notification of the incident by 10 days, which slowed their investigation.
"Our investigation confirmed that the items were 'Free From Explosive' (FFE) grenades, which are deactivated and used for training purposes and are safe for transportation. While the suspicious baggage was detected at Level 1 and Level 2 screening points, it was mistakenly cleared by a screener at Level 3".
In response, ACSA said that Ethiopian Airlines sent communication regarding the incident to an ACSA employee who was not the designated official as stipulated in the regulatory reporting arrangement, and "as a result, the communication was not immediately brought to the attention of the designated official".
"When the designated official was made aware, the matter was immediately reported to SACAA, and ACS was notified. The issue of the delayed reporting is being investigated, and appropriate action will be taken". ACSA said.
"While the matter of the delayed reporting is being addressed, this should not detract from the fact that the reason for the occurrence of the incident, which is negligent human error, took place under the watch of an unregulated and unlawful operator".
ACS added that it has "zero tolerance to any form of security breach and deems this incident as gross negligence by the screener, hence this led to the dismissal".
IOL Business
mthobisi.nozulela@iol.co.za Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
26-07-2025
- IOL News
Grenade saga: ACS accuses ACSA of having blocked critical screening upgrades at OR Tambo Airport.
Aviation Coordination Services (ACS) has hit back at Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) Image: File Aviation Coordination Services (ACS) has hit back at Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), accusing it of having blocked important upgrades to baggage screening equipment at OR Tambo International Airport. This comes after a passenger managed to board an Ethiopian Airlines flight from Johannesburg on May 25 with two training grenades in their checked luggage, only for the items to be discovered upon arrival in Addis Ababa. The company also denied that ACSA has the right to terminate its "provision of services" for hold baggage screening at the airport, adding that it has been providing hold baggage screening at the airport for over 25 years and is the legally approved service provider. However, ACSA disputes this claim, arguing that ACS operates without a valid contract and is in breach of procurement laws. In 2023, ACSA decided to insource the hold baggage screening (HBS) function, but was temporarily blocked by a court interdict obtained by ACS. According to the company, the matter is now set for mediation under the Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy. ACS said that the recent security breach involving training grenades was due to human error, but could have been avoided if ACSA had permitted upgrades to the screening equipment. "For the past eight years, ACSA has prevented ACS from replacing HBS equipment at airports with more advanced and reliable screening technology. "Had ACS been permitted to carry out the long-term HBS equipment upgrade and replacement, the security incident that took place on 25 May may well have been avoided," the company said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ ACS also claimed that "as a result of ACSA's refusals to allow it to replace the HBS equipment, ACS had to resort to bringing several urgent proceedings before the High Court in an attempt to force ACSA to permit the interim replacement of Level 3 back-up machines". "ACS was successful in these proceedings and obtained three consecutive court orders against ACSA between November 2024 and May 2025". However, ACSA described this claim as "factually incorrect," stating that any replacement of HBS equipment must be approved by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA). ACSA added that SACAA has previously communicated to ACS that it lacks the authority to replace HBS equipment, as ACS is not an airport operator. "ACSA had issued a tender worth approximately R3.1 billion for the replacement of the entire HBS equipment. However, ACS obtained an interdict blocking ACSA from adjudicating the tender until the court's review of ACSA's decision to insource," ACSA said. ACS also accused ACSA of delaying notification of the incident by 10 days, which slowed their investigation. "Our investigation confirmed that the items were 'Free From Explosive' (FFE) grenades, which are deactivated and used for training purposes and are safe for transportation. While the suspicious baggage was detected at Level 1 and Level 2 screening points, it was mistakenly cleared by a screener at Level 3". In response, ACSA said that Ethiopian Airlines sent communication regarding the incident to an ACSA employee who was not the designated official as stipulated in the regulatory reporting arrangement, and "as a result, the communication was not immediately brought to the attention of the designated official". "When the designated official was made aware, the matter was immediately reported to SACAA, and ACS was notified. The issue of the delayed reporting is being investigated, and appropriate action will be taken". ACSA said. "While the matter of the delayed reporting is being addressed, this should not detract from the fact that the reason for the occurrence of the incident, which is negligent human error, took place under the watch of an unregulated and unlawful operator". ACS added that it has "zero tolerance to any form of security breach and deems this incident as gross negligence by the screener, hence this led to the dismissal". IOL Business Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel
The Citizen
26-07-2025
- The Citizen
ACS refutes ACSA claims over OR Tambo grenade security breach
ACS said the grenades were mistakenly cleared due to outdated equipment. Aviation Co-ordination Services (ACS) has rejected Airports Company South Africa's (ACSA) claims after a man travelled to Ethiopia from OR Tambo International Airport with two deactivated grenades. The grim incident came to light when Ethiopian Airlines notified ACSA that a passenger who had departed from OR Tambo in Johannesburg was found with the training grenades during reverse hold baggage screening at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Mistake This triggered an immediate urgent response with ACSA announcing its intention to terminate the services of ACS, the third-party operator responsible for hold baggage screening (HBS) at OR Tambo International Airport. ACS CEO Duke Phahla said the training items were mistakenly cleared due to outdated equipment at the airport. ALSO READ: Acsa loses appeal for control of baggage screening services at major airports Risk Phala said, contrary to ACSA's claims, it is not entitled to terminate the provision of services by ACS and accused the airport operator of blocking ACS from replacing HBS equipment at airports with more advanced and reliable screening technology, putting aviation security at risk. 'Had ACS been permitted to carry out the long-term HBS equipment upgrade and replacement, the security incident that took place on 25 May may well have been avoided. 'Our investigation found that the screener on duty was fully certified by the South African Civil Aviation Authority and the company that he worked for was appointed on the panel of security service providers and vetted by ACSA,' Phala said. Screener dismissed Phahla, the screener, had completed all required training, had passed recent assessments and had over ten years of screening experience. However, he said that due to the seriousness of the breach, the screener was immediately suspended and later dismissed following the outcome of a formal disciplinary process. 'While the investigation concluded that human error was the immediate cause of the incident, it is critical that it be viewed in the broader context of the long-standing obstruction, by ACSA, of ACS's efforts to replace the HBS equipment with more advanced and reliable screening technology'. Phala said ACS has 'zero tolerance to any form of security breach' and deems this incident to be gross negligence by the screener, which led to dismissal. NOW READ: Acsa wants a look over in fight over baggage screening services
TimesLIVE
25-07-2025
- TimesLIVE
Acsa ramps up security after hand grenades bypass OR Tambo screening
Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) says it is taking decisive action after a serious security breach at OR Tambo International Airport that saw two training hand grenades bypass security screening and arrive in Ethiopia. The incident came to light after Ethiopian Airlines discovered the devices during baggage screening at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa. The passenger had departed from OR Tambo, raising red flags about security lapses at South Africa's busiest airport. 'Acsa was formally notified of the incident by Ethiopian Airlines, in line with international aviation protocols, after the items were detected during reverse baggage screening upon arrival,' said Acsa in a statement on Thursday. 'In accordance with national regulatory procedures, Acsa subsequently reported the matter to the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA).' The grenades had made it through the hold baggage screening (HBS) area, which Acsa says is operated by Aviation Co-ordination Services (ACS), a third-party entity controlled by airline associations. 'ACS claims that the responsibility for HBS rests with the airlines. Acsa's position, which is also shared by SACAA, is that Acsa, as the licensed aerodrome operator, is responsible for conducting HBS services on behalf of the state,' Acsa said. Acsa says it has terminated ACS's services, citing legal and contractual irregularities. 'ACS has no legal basis or contract to carry out HBS services. Moreover, ACS is operating contrary to public procurement legislation.' Acsa said the matter has been reported to the Hawks, the Special Investigating Unit and the auditor-general. It said ACS had accepted responsibility for the breach and taken disciplinary action against the employee involved. Acsa also revealed that ACS has been operating without a formal contract since it took over HBS services in 1998 under what Acsa termed 'questionable circumstances'. 'ACS operates on an evergreen basis with no contract and is not an entity recognised in any civil aviation legislation. Its operations are contrary to the constitution, the Public Finance Management Act, National Key Points Act, the ACSA Act, and the Civil Aviation Act and regulations,' said the airport operator. Despite Acsa's efforts to take over the HBS service directly and issue a tender for equipment, ACS obtained a court interdict blocking the move pending a judicial review of Acsa's decision. Acsa has since been granted leave to appeal but a date for the hearing is yet to be determined. In the meantime, Acsa says it has ramped up security measures in partnership with various state and law enforcement agencies, including the State Security Agency. police crime intelligence, Border Management Agency and Ekurhuleni Metro Police. 'These include increased surveillance across critical zones, joint planning and oversight forums and ongoing training to mitigate the risk of recurrence,' the company said. 'Acsa reiterates its unwavering commitment to the safety and security of all passengers and airport users. We continue to work closely with all relevant airlines and authorities to resolve operational risks and safeguard the integrity of South Africa's national aviation infrastructure,' they said.
