EWN reports that the SA Civil Aviation Authority (Sacaa) has launched an urgent investigation into an alleged lapse in training of security personnel tasked with X-ray screening of passengers and baggage for weapons and explosives.  

Questions from Eyewitness News prompted the probe after correspondence was obtained that revealed complaints about inadequate training at a CAA accredited service provider.  Reshebile Aviation and Security Services sent its staff for week-long training at Ntate Aviation and Security Training, but there was no instructor.  The trainees watched a few videos and read up on theory before writing a test on the last day of the course.  A trainee complained that there were no practical exercises or demonstration of the equipment being used.  Sacaa’s Kabelo Ledwaba said:  “The South African Civil Aviation Authority takes this matter very seriously and we’ll immediately investigate the alleged incident as a matter of urgency.  Should the investigation prove that there was some wrongdoing, appropriate action will be taken.”

• Read this report by Barry Bateman in full at EWN

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