Frank Maponya

Frank Maponya

The Gateway Airport Authority in Limpopo has dismissed a second senior executive in less than two months.

Marcus Mthombeni, the airport company's general manager for operations, was dismissed for gross irregularities.

The dismissal comes barely a month after that of Ben Mehale, the airport's managing director.

Mehale was found guilty of mismanaging funds, corruption and misrepresenting facts.

The decision to fire Mthombeni follows a series of disciplinary hearings. These ran concurrently with those of Mehale.

According to a company statement, Mthombeni had until Wednesday to appeal. Mehale did not appeal against his dismissal last month.

Hanli du Plessis, the company's acting managing director, yesterday confirmed Mthombeni's dismissal, but refused to comment any further.

A source who asked to remain anonymous said: "The action is a step in the right direction, if we are to take the airport seriously."