Competition Commission raids SAA, Mango and AASA offices

The Competition Commission successfully conducted a search and seizer operation at the offices of South African Airways (SAA), Mango Airlines and the Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA) on 31 March 2010.

The searches form part of the Commission's investigation into collusion in the airlines industry around the soccer world cup period, and were prompted by the Commission's suspicion SAA and Mango might have withheld information having a bearing on the investigation.

During the search the Commission seized documents and electronic data, which will now be analysed together with other information gathered to determine whether a contravention of the Competition Act has taken place.

In terms of section 48 of the Competition Act, the Commission is authorised to enter and search premises and seize documents which have a bearing on an investigation. Section 46(2) (b) of the Act authorises a judge or magistrate to issue the Commission with a warrant allowing them and accompanying police officers to enter and search such premises.

Statement issued by Keitumetse Letebele, HOD: Communications, Competition Commission, April 6 2010

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