By Yolanda Mufweba - Staff Reporter
Cape Town International Airport has recruited 14 specially trained armed guards in a drive to step up security after the bomb blast at the airport earlier this year.
From Monday, new security guards in combat uniforms and body armour will patrol the parking lots and all terminal buildings.
The guards, trained in Johannesburg, were part of a R1-million security upgrade, said Amien Nieftagodien, general manager at the airport.
In July a bomb exploded in a concrete refuse bin on the pavement near the international arrivals hall.
"This is a clear message to criminal elements that we will not tolerate any crime on our property," said Nieftagodien.
Other measures include: A closed-circuit television security system to be extended with an extra 23
cameras, bringing the total to 183; regular roadblocks at the main entrance to the airport; and crime blitzes in which visitors' vehicles and bags will be inspected at random.
Sniffer dogs will also be used to inspect vehicles in the controlled inner ring road for explosives on an irregular basis.
The new guards, in combat uniform, armed with special firearms and bullet- proof vests, will be on 24-hour duty in front of every terminal building at the airport.