Nothing done about theft by security officer

I sent the following mail to them over two weeks ago. Despite promising to revert within forty-eight hours and several follow up mails, I have still heard nothing from them. Shocking PR!

Yesterday (Wednesday 19 November 2025) I flew from Lanseria to Durban on flight number FA320 - as per the attached boarding pass pictures and booking confirmation.

I checked in at around 11am and went through security a few moments later.

After having my backpack and personal effects x-rayed, the security guard (A young, short and slightly overweight African gentleman) picked up my lighter from the tray and asked if it was a gas lighter. I said that it was. He then tested it and told me that I wasn't allowed to take it onto the aircraft. It was similar to the lighter in the attached picture except that it was yellow in colour.

I asked him if he was certain and said that as a frequent flyer I had often travelled on aircrafts carrying a lighter without problem. He still insisted on taking it. He then gave it to his young African female colleague behind him who was monitoring the X-ray machine screen.

This lighter is of great sentimental value to me as it was a present from a loved one.

Last night I decided to check on the Safair website to see if a lighter was allowed on board. The attached screenshot shows that a lighter is indeed allowed.

My assumption is that he liked the look of my lighter and - after checking that it worked - decided to ***** it.

I want it back, or to be compensated. My lady reluctantly told me (One doesn't like to reveal the price of a gift) that it cost her R399 from a local tobacconist. As it was purchased some time ago, she no longer has the receipt.

I would also like disciplinary action taken against the guard for theft from a passenger and to be told the outcome.

I am a sixty-two year old while male of slim build with short greying hair. I am around one point eight metres tall. I was wearing dark blue jeans, a white chinese style tab-collared shirt with black buttons and a black and gold pattern on the front, a blue sports jacket and black takkies. I was also carrying a small black backpack - picture attached. You can use this information to identify me on the video. No doubt your CCTV surveillance will verify this incident.

I trust I can look forward to a speedy response and a favourable conclusion to the unsavoury actions of this employee.