By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Nobs (Nobuntu Mkhize)/X.
The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has condemned the “unruly behaviour” of a passenger aboard FlySafair flight from Durban to Cape Town on December 26.
In a video clip that went viral, the passenger is seen in a heated altercation with flight attendants who are trying to calm her down.
The passenger has since been identified as Nobuntu Mkhize, an employee of the SABC.
SACAA director of civil aviation Poppy Khoza, unequivocally condemned the incident and emphasised the regulator’s zero-tolerance stance against passengers who assault, threaten, intimidate, or interfere with airline cabin crew members.
“It must be noted that cabin crew members are licensed as Safety Officers under the Civil Aviation Regulations. Their primary duty therefore is to ensure safety protocols are always maintained as well as the comfort of passengers.
“The incident aboard the aircraft was unfortunate and distasteful as it sought to undermine the safety of passengers and crew.
“Unruly behaviour, nuisance, disorderly or indecent act on board any aircraft endangers the safety of both the aircraft and its occupants, and this cannot be tolerated.
“We want to discourage any act that undermines the safety of crew and passengers and call on all passengers travelling on any flight to observe and obey the instructions of the crew, “Khoza said.
Khoza added that while SACAA “appreciates the cooperation of passengers” during the incident, “we also commend the efforts of the cabin crew who worked hard to de-escalate the situation and ensure the safety of all passengers on board.”
South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said Mkhize was arrested and charged in terms of the Civil Aviation Act No 13 of 2009 for disruptive and riotous behaviour on board an aircraft in service
“The case was temporarily withdrawn pending further investigation and additional charges.”
The SABC condemned the incident, saying it would address the matter through “relevant channels in line with its internal procedures”.