FlySafair confirmed to IOL that Mkhize has been added to the airline's no-fly list.

The SABC has also issued a statement, saying "the matter would be addressed through internal procedures".

The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has slammed Mkhize's behaviour and further commended the efforts by the flight crew to regain control of the situation.

"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," said SACAA Director of Civil Aviation, Poppy Khoza.

She said 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 acts 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 safety of crew and passengers and call on all passengers travelling on any flight to observe and obey the instructions of the crew. South Africa carries a sterling record in air safety and this is the record that cannot be undermined by any individual," Khoza said.

The SACAA added that as the national civil aviation safety and security regulator, it has received a full report from the airline on this incident that has now been handed over to law enforcement for further investigation.

"In terms of Section 135 of the Civil Aviation Act, unruly behaviour is a punishable offence that can lead to an imprisonment sentence of up to six months. Disobeying and interfering with orders from the cabin crew is in violation of civil aviation laws and carries a fine and jail sentence," the SACAA said.

seanne.rall@iol.co.za

IOL

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