South African Airways (SAA) and its subsidiary, South African Airways Technical (SAAT) has noted the conviction and sentencing of Mr. Lucas Sekae, a former Avionics Technician, for the theft of high-value aircraft components.
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A former avionics technician at South African Airways Technical has been sentenced to 18 years in prison after being convicted of stealing high-value aircraft components linked to a broader criminal syndicate operating within the airline’s technical division.
Lucas Sekae was found guilty on three counts of theft on February 27, 2026, and sentenced on March 11 at the Kempton Park Regional Court.
The case followed an investigation conducted between 2019 and 2021 by security and forensic teams at South African Airways together with the South African Police Service.
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nvestigators linked Sekae to a wider criminal syndicate involving employees of the airline’s technical division and associated private companies. Several individuals connected to the scheme have already been arrested, convicted, and are awaiting sentencing.
Sekae was dismissed from SAAT on April 13, 2022, following an internal disciplinary process.
SAA Group chief executive John Lamola said the conviction underscored the airline’s stance against corruption and internal crime.
“This conviction reinforces the airlines unequivocal zero-tolerance stance on theft, fraud, corruption, and any conduct that undermines the integrity of our operations. Those who seek to abuse their positions for criminal gain will face the full consequences of the law,” he said.
The airline said it continues to strengthen internal controls and security oversight as part of efforts to protect its operations and prevent corruption and theft within the organisation.