A British Airways pilot is currently recovering at home after enduring a harrowing five-hour kidnapping incident during a stopover in Johannesburg over the weekend.
According to various UK media outlets, the pilot had stopped to assist a woman who had requested help with carrying her bags near a shopping complex in Melrose Arch.
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Reports from The Sun and Daily Mail indicate that as the pilot approached the woman’s car, he was suddenly seized by a group of men who forcefully bundled him inside.
They then drove him to a remote area of Johannesburg where he was subjected to physical assault and coerced into withdrawing thousands of pounds from his bank accounts.
The pilot was eventually released, but not before suffering significant injuries during the ordeal. British Airways has confirmed that they are providing support to their colleague and cooperating with local authorities in their investigation.
This distressing incident marks the second time a British Airways pilot has been targeted during a stopover in South Africa. In a separate incident in July, a BA captain was held at gunpoint and stabbed in the leg while jogging with a colleague near Melrose Arch, as reported by Crewroom.
The safety and security of airline personnel is of utmost importance, and incidents like these highlight the need for heightened vigilance and precautionary measures. British Airways and the relevant authorities are working diligently to ensure the safety of their employees and passengers alike.
Please note that this article will be updated once comments from the South African police are received, providing further insight into the investigation.
