SAA Pilots: Hawks’ ‘intelligence’ has a whiff of intimidation

On Friday 4 December, I was summoned to Douglasdale Police Station by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation. Hawks officials – including two Brigadiers – informed me that they were in possession of ‘intelligence’ that certain pilots – and namely myself – had attempted to recruit SAA technicians to tamper with the rudder system of an aircraft in order to sabotage it and thereby discredit the black pilot who’d be flying it. 

If the allegations weren’t treated with such seriousness by the Hawks I’d have laughed at the sheer absurdity of them. But as the Hawks seemingly believe this ‘intelligence’ has veracity, I’d like to make two points:

1 – I am prepared to cooperate fully with any legally competent, objective investigation, as there is not a single shred of evidence that will corroborate this allegation.

2 – This ‘intelligence' has a whiff of intimidation.  Neither I nor my association will be intimidated and forced to back down in our efforts to ensure that the SAA Board is replaced by people with aviation management expertise and that a CEO with appropriate skills and experience is appointed. 

Statement issued by Captain John Harty, Chairman, SAA Pilots Association, 7 December 2015