My bag was unlocked and rifled through PZB to OR Tambo from Airlink Flight

I took a flight yesterday (7 Sep 2026) from Pietermaritzburg to OR Tambo (flight 4Z744 at 18h20). When I got home I realised my bag had been opened. It has a combination lock on the bag and it was on the 'correct' numbers. The inside compartments were unzipped and they had been through my things. I dont think anything is missing (not 100% sure). There were no valuables or electronics etc so they clearly didnt want clothes. I will never fly again without having my bag plastic wrapped. What I dont understand is why the guilty parties didnt zip/lock the bag again, and I would have been none the wiser. Its so blatant for people to see and report, and they continue to do it. Therefore, I would assume that this happens often, as they are clearly in a rush to get through as many bags as possible.

My bag has previously (same flight from PZB to OR Tambo) also been on the correct number combination when I collected it from the carousal at OR Tambo. At the time, I assumed that I hadnt scrambled the numbers although I was 99% sure I had. I now see this is what likely happened. Thats twice (that I know of) within about a year.

I carried a quite worthless item with me on hand luggage which wouldve been ****** if in my packed luggage as it was in a box. It was (is) something from my deceased father. Important to me, meaningless and worthless to a *****.

I find it despicable that people do this so blatantly. Although nothing was ****** I feel violated knowing someone went through my things. I assume there are security cameras to watch this kind of thing. I know the fault technically lies with Airlink although I assume some staff at the OR Tambo Airport who have access to the bags are perhaps not Airlink employees. So I will post this for more than one company to note.

I hope that people see this and at the very least get their luggage wrapped every single time they fly, and never pack valuables. I do not know what more we can do to protect our things. I fly very often and its a 5 hour drive compared to a 3 hour process for a flight. I will be driving more, especially with anything important or valuable.

Typical South Africa!!! Please go through your camera footage.

Flight 4Z744 PZB to OR Tambo (18h20 take-off in PZB). Bags came via carousal 2 at OR Tambo.