SA woman charged in flight fracas

A WEALTHY Sandhurst woman faces criminal charges in Canada after allegedly throwing a bottle of water at a flight attendant during a midair temper tantrum.

Nomantangwa Angel Babhekile Johansson, 30, wife of Ivanhoe Mines CEO Lars-Eric Johansson, was travelling from London to Toronto on December 17 when the incident took place on an Air Canada flight.

The aircraft was diverted to Halifax Stanfield International Airport, Nova Scotia, where Mounties arrested her. She spent the night in police custody before appearing in court for a bail hearing.

Greg Church, spokesman for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, said Johansson was released after paying bail of C$10 000 (about R100 000).

‘‘She has to report to the police airport detachment every Friday by phone and she is to remain in Canada until this matter has been dealt with through the court process,” he said.

According to Canadian media reports, Johansson faces six charges, including one under Canada’s Aeronautics Act, for allegedly engaging in behaviour that endangered the safety or security of an aircraft in flight.

She was also charged with assault with a weapon — the water bottle — and with causing a disturbance by screaming and swearing.

Johansson surrendered her passport and is staying with relatives in Ontario.

She is due to appear in court again on January 22.

As part of her bail conditions, the judge ordered her not to take drugs or drink alcohol.

Her 67-year-old husband has been the president and CEO of Ivanhoe Mines since May 2007.

Jeremy Michaels, a spokesman for the company, said the midair incident was a private matter and the company had no comment.

But he added: “It is also important to note that Mrs Johansson does not represent the company in any business capacity.”