IFP Sounds Alarm Bells Over Acsa Theft Case

January 10, 2007

The Inkatha Freedom Party's Chief Whip, Mr Koos van der Merwe MP, today said that the Inkatha Freedom Party is extremely concerned about reports that the theft case against fourteen former Acsa baggage handlers has been postponed again, for the third and final time.

"This is absolutely unacceptable. The fact that the case has been postponed again is another clear indication that the criminal justice system in South Africa is failing its citizens. The inability of the state prosecutors to get their act together could mean that the case is thrown out of court, with the fourteen suspected thieves - who where all caught in a police surveillance operation into baggage theft at OR Tambo International - being set free without trial," said Mr van der Merwe.

"Furthermore in the wake of a series of news reports on the high incidents of baggage theft from South African Airways (SAA), SAA has announced that they are planning to retrench a 1000 employees in order to cut operating costs. Operating costs, which have been spiralling out of control due to the increase in the number of lost baggage claims that they've had to pay out recently.

"This has a direct effect on the taxpayer and on the consumer. Therefore it is important that those responsible for stealing are brought to book."

In conclusion Mr van der Merwe said: "The IFP fears that this might be yet another case where the police do sterling work in apprehending criminals, but then the criminal justice system fails them and the country by putting the criminals back on the street."

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Mr Koos van der Merwe MP: 082 444 4944
Liezl van der Merwe: 083 611 7470