There was a thread back in April of this year suggesting the presence of a theft ring at the Jo'burg airport (OR Tambo). Is this no longer a problem?

We are considering a trip in the near future and wonder if we should plan to avoid that airport.

Hi Sue

Have not heard of any more issues, I believe they arrested the gang and killed another member in a shoot out. I have not had any trouble but then agian we do drive armed and don't do stupid things.

Never make yourself a victim.

If you need assistance pm me and Ill gladly assist you on your trip

As far as I know, the theft ring is still alive and well. Friends of mine recently lost a few valuables that were stolen from a bag, so be careful. If you plan on bringing any rifles, make sure they are in the sturdiest, most secure, LOCKABLE gun case you can lay your hands on (otherwise someone else surely will).

Not a month goes by over here in SA without some sort of report about security problems at Jo'Burg International, so if you can avoid the place altogether (only with difficulty, I'm afraid), you should do so, in my opinion.

I just went through Joburg twice on our way to and from Namibia and had no problem at all. Gun Permits took about 5 minutes, Actually less than Namibia. The problem with these sites and threads is they make a big deal out of a problem or two and never comment about the hundreds or thousands that go through with no problems at all.

quote:

Originally posted by tradewinds:
I just went through Joburg twice on our way to and from Namibia and had no problem at all. Gun Permits took about 5 minutes, Actually less than Namibia. The problem with these sites and threads is they make a big deal out of a problem or two and never comment about the hundreds or thousands that go through with no problems at all.

My experiences have been the same thru Joberg, no problems at the airport and gun permits have been obtained rather quickly.

Clearly you are right, the vast majority of travlelers make it through safely and with their posessions; but that is no reason to not take precautions and make intelligent decisions. For what it is worth a very small amount of preparation can prevent a great deal of problems.

quote:

Originally posted by tradewinds:
I just went through Joburg twice on our way to and from Namibia and had no problem at all. Gun Permits took about 5 minutes, Actually less than Namibia. The problem with these sites and threads is they make a big deal out of a problem or two and never comment about the hundreds or thousands that go through with no problems at all.

I don't think all things get overblown. I have traveled many times on safari through JNB and have had several good trips, and several bad. I have had luggage lost, broken into, and had to wait 6 hrs for a gun permit. Like several other in the forum say, it all depends on the people you are dealing with. The gun permit thing has come a long ways in the last few years, but the luggage problem has gotten a lot worse!

Well, we just got back from a 2 wk safari in RSA. We had absolutely no issues at Tambo. All our luggage and guns made it. A very nice official took us the back way to the Saps office. We didn't use a permit company, but had our paperwork all done. The only extra time was for the girl to type up the permits, on the spot. We were off to Afton less than 2 hrs. after we hit the ground. No bribes, no hassles, no scams, no nothing.

Mad Dog

The problem is not as bad as it was a few years ago, but, Jo'berg airport is still much worse than most.

This is from an airline employee who flies there quite a lot.

Plan on them losing your luggage to any connection in Africa 50%percent of the time from Joburg. My rifle and duffle arrived on the third flight of the day to Windhoek, despite greasing some palms........but at least I got mine, most people had to come back the next day!

What I heard through the rumor mill in RSA was that the gang that was following people to their destintations wasn't targeting tourists, but were targeting drug dealers.

From: www.moneyweb.co.za/Also seen on www.sagoodnews.co.za

People, processes and technology make a difference, says Acsa.
Leon Engelbrecht
20 August 2008 13:08

Reported baggage theft and pilfering has fallen by over 60% since the beginning of the year at OR Tambo International Airport, as a result of better policing and the use of technology, says the Airports Company of SA (Acsa).

Airport spokesperson Tasniem Patel says OR Tambo handles an average of 24 000 bags each day and used to have 24 to 34 bags tampered with daily.

“The numbers now range between six to eight bags per day.â€

She attributes the decrease in theft to the change in baggage handling companies earlier this year, as well as to the work of a Baggage Protection Unit, headed by a former Scotland Yard detective, and technology.

“Since its inception in December, the Baggage Protection Unit has settled down well and the effect of the unit is being felt.â€

Patel says the unit operates alongside comprehensive CCTV monitoring and access control that enforces the restricted zone around baggage handling areas.

“All airside staff now make use of a single gate for entry and access, called Charlie Gate. Security at the gate has been upgraded at a cost of R8 million to include new screening equipment.â€

If you can do it get your luggage wrapped up by one of those giant clingfilm machines.
We certainly did on our way out of JHB after the check-in lady STRONGLY suggested we should do it.

One of those things that raises the hassle factor for any theif such that they just target somebody else's bag insead of yours.

There is a very strong theft ring in Victoria Falls, for any of you going there. Beware, and do not put any valuables in your checked bags and make sure that no one takes your carry-on to place under the hold of the airplane. Fight them about it. The giant clingfilm machine should be mandatory at all airports and they should clingfilm all bags in your presence once they have been through the detector. That would stop these bastards, and most people would be willing to pay for the service in order to make sure that all of your stuff got home with you.