SAA FLIGHT DELAYED FOR 5 HOURS AS . . . Pilot strips naked at Harare Airport
A
South African Airways pilot was arrested yesterday after he caused a
scene when he stripped to his undergarment at the Harare International
Airport protesting security procedures by authorities.
South
African Flight 025 with about 90 passengers aboard, was subsequently
delayed by more than five hours to allow another crew from Johannesburg
to fly the aircraft back to South Africa after Captain Ginkel was barred
from flying in terms of aviation regulations.
Civil Aviation
Authority of Zimbabwe chief executive officer Mr David Chawota confirmed
the incident last night that left cabin crew, passengers and airport
workers shocked.
The incident occurred in the morning as the
cabin crew went through the screening routine at the country’s biggest
international airport.
“The pilot abused himself. He simply
undressed at the security checkpoint. He was arrested for public
indecency. He paid a fine but in terms of aviation regulations we could
not allow him to fly the aircraft anymore after that incident,” said Mr
Chawota.
“The flight was supposed to leave Harare at 0720 hours
but had to be delayed until 1300 hours to allow another crew from South
Africa to come to Harare to fly the plane.”
Mr Chawota said in
terms of aviation rules and regulations, further disciplinary measures
should be taken back home by his superiors.
“We have since
reported the incident to his employers, that is why they had to bring
another crew. For the safety of passengers and plane we could not allow
him to fly. This is international procedure that we followed,” he said.
Sources at the airport said the pilot was directed by authorities to remove his shoes after detectors had beeped.
The
detectors continued beeping resulting in him being asked to remove his
belt, something that did not go down well with the pilot.
The directive triggered a furious protest that saw him undressing to his undergarment.
Security officials subsequently moved in and arrested Capt Ginkel and subsequently detained him at the police post.
He was eventually fined.
“Aviation
authorities raised concern on his state of mind and felt it was no
longer prudent and safe to allow him to continue flying the aircraft
given the fact that they were no longer sure of his sanity,” said a
source.
“He had to return to Johannesburg as a passenger.’
Capt Ginkel’s background could not be established as a Google search on his name did not yield much information.
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