Cameraman's equipment stolen at airport

Published Oct 4, 2016

Share

Durban - A photographer and film-maker is offering a reward for information on the whereabouts of his camera equipment, stolen in the foyer of Durban’s King Shaka International Airport.

Ian Badenhorst, a wedding and commercial film-maker based in Cape Town had arrived on Friday to prepare for a wedding film and photo shoot in the Natal Midlands the next day.

Badenhorst said his baggage was in an airport trolley when he turned to pay at a car hire counter.

That done, he continued on his way, pushing his trolley without noticing his bag had been stolen. When he got to his hired car, about 50m from the exit, he realised his bag with camera equipment had gone. He later viewed CCTV footage of the incident.

“I had not taken note of two guys caught on CCTV footage. One of them was pretending to be in the queue behind me. He unclipped the queue barrier and took the bag while I was busy. Maybe I caught a glimpse of them chatting on their phones.

In a pickle, Badenhorst had to borrow equipment for the shoot and the wedding had to be delayed for an hour to give him time.

“I had four bags on the trolley but they took that specific one. I am not sure if they had inside information on what my luggage contained. This is my bread and butter,” Badenhorst said.

Although his cameras were insured, Badenhorst wants to make people more aware of their surroundings, not only in the airport but in public spaces. He is offering a R10 000 reward for any information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects and the recovery of the goods.

“The theft did not occur in a foyer at the airport but at a car rental counter,” said Colin Naidoo, spokesman Airports Company of South Africa (Acsa).

“People have to be aware of their surroundings and those around them when they are in a public place like the airport or even at a car rental. We urge people to keep their personal belongings close to them at all times and report any suspicious activity or parcels.”

Police spokeswoman, Colonel Thembeka Mbhele, confirmed a case had been been opened at King Shaka SAPS.

If anyone has any information on the whereabouts of the suspects or the camera equipment, they can phone 083 324 4577.

Related Topics: