Last night two men and a youth were arrested for allegedly shining a green laser light at aircrafts, particularly helicopters taking off from Bloemfontein airport and Bloemspruit Airforce base.
Members from the South African Police Service (SAPS) Special Task Force responded to information and arrested a 45 year old father, his 14 year old son and a 22 year old friend at Olive Hill, near Mangaung in the Free State.
The pointing of laser lights is viewed very seriously because it has the potential to blind and disorientate a pilot which could result in the aircraft crashing. Therefore, the three suspects will be charged in terms of Section 133 of the Civil Aviations Act 13 of 2009.
Section (j) (i) of the said Act states that any person who wilfully performs any act which jeopardises or may jeopardise the operation of an air carrier is guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine or to imprisonment not exceeding 30 years or to both such fine and imprisonment.
The three suspects are expected to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrates court on Monday, 9 January 2011 on the said charges. People are warned that this is a serious offence and the consequences severe. Therefore, we implore on people to refrain from performing such acts.
For enquiries, please contact:
Colonel Vishnu Naidoo
Cell: 082 567 4153
E-Mail: naidoov@saps.org.za
