In a bid to counter the ruthless onslaught of criminals making use of poorly controled air space, air movement over the most northern parts of Limpopo will be temporarily restricted in the coming week.

As part of the South African National Defence Force’s (SANDF) border safeguarding function, the South African Air Force (SAAF) has taken to the skies to patrol South Africa´s northern border. The operation will continue until February 23. The operation follows a directive from Cabinet that the SANDF should deploy its forces along the country´s northern border, specifically to curb criminal activities as well as smuggling across the borders.

The air restrictions also form part of the SANDF’s continued safeguarding strategy, which will make way for the gradual re-entry of the army to borderline control, within the context of co-operating with the South African Police Service (SAPS). The re-deployment of soldiers started in April last year, when soldiers were deployed to patrol and safeguard the border between South Africa and Zimbabwe.

The restricted flight area will include the area that extends along the national border of South Africa with Botswana (Groblersbrug Border Post), Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

“No flights will be allowed to operate within or through this temporarily restricted airspace without the necessary authorisation or clearance,” said defence ministry spokesperson Simpiwe Dlamini in a press release. Pilots who do not give their full co-operation will be intercepted, which may result in prosecution.

“Effective cooperation will ensure a secure airspace without impacting negatively on the aviation sector,” added Dlamini.

Exceptions will be made, but subject to a number of conditions. Dlamini explained that all flights, including scheduled flights operating within this temporarily restricted air space, must apply to the South African Air Force (SAAF) for a flight authorisation code (FAC). All flights that will operate in the lateral boundaries of the temporarily restricted airspace will also have to submit a flight plan with their FAC authorization. Applications for an FAC can be submitted to the SAAF, at least 24 hours prior to flying over the restricted areas for the first time. When an aeroplane enters this “air border”, the FAC will be requested from the pilot. If the pilot cannot provide the code, he will be escorted to the nearest airport, where the police will take over the investigations.

The air border control operation will be done in collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs, the SAPS and Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS). Applications to fly over the restricted area can be submitted by phoning 012 312 2625 or sending an e-mail to [email protected]