An airplane passenger Cristof Bessinger (66), who was arrested after allegedly making a bomb threat at Hosea Kutako International Airport on Tuesday, has been granted bail in the amount of N$5 000.
Bessinger appeared in the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court in Katutura on Thursday. His case was postponed to 11 March in order for further investigations to be carried out.
The Namibia Airports Company (NAC) on Tuesday said Bessinger was a passenger who boarded a departing regional flight. The bomb threat was confirmed to be a security breach.
The NAC warned that words such as terrorist, bomb, missile, weapon (gun), and fire should not be used on an aeroplane.
During Bessinger’s first court appearance yesterday, public prosecutor Tatelo Cuthbert Lusepani said Bessigner was arrested for communicating false bomb threats at the airport.
“The accused is making his first appearance on an allegation of communicating false information regarding the safety of any passengers on board,” Lusepani said.
Bessinger was legally represented by Evert Gous.
They agreed on N$5 000 bail for Bessinger and the postponement of his case. Bessinger posted bail on the same day.
According to police spokesperson deputy commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, Bessinger had allegedly uttered the words: “There could be a bomb on the aircraft, for all we know.”
These words had allegedly caused panic at the airport, with security personnel and the police becoming involved.
Shikwambi, who confirmed the arrest, says the man is charged under the Civil Aviation Act.
According to NAC spokesperson Dan Kamati, Bessinger was a passenger and security protocols were initiated immediately.
“Necessary security protocols were activated, which included the involvement of the Namibian Police bomb squad. Following swift action by stakeholders, the flight was cleared and the airport was reopened for normal operations,” he said.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!