UPDATE | King Phalo Airport bomb threat declared false alarm as police hunt caller
: A bomb threat that triggered a security operation at King Phalo Airport in the Eastern Cape on Wednesday has been declared a false alarm after police found no explosives or suspicious objects on the aircraft or in the luggage. SAPS has opened a criminal case and is investigating to trace the caller.
A false bomb threat at King Phalo Airport in KuGompo City has been debunked by the South African Police Service (Saps). Earlier on Wednesday, an anonymous caller reported a bomb on an aircraft carrying 184 passengers. Airport security promptly informed the Saps' KuGompo explosives unit, who led a thorough search of the plane and its luggage.
No explosives, devices, suspicious objects, or hazardous materials were found. A multidisciplinary team, including bomb disposal experts, K9 explosive detection dogs, and a hostage negotiator, was activated as a precaution. The 184 passengers, pilots, and cabin crew safely disembarked from the aircraft. Authorities declared the scene clear and returned it to airport security.
A case of contravention of the Explosives Act has been registered, and the investigation aims to trace the anonymous caller. Making false bomb threats is a serious criminal offense, with potential imprisonment up to ten years. Authorities urge the public not to speculate and allow security agencies to conduct their work without interference.
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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