Fuel leak: Charges against Acsa

"The criminal neglect charges were particularly fuelled by the spillage of 1.2 million litres of jet fuel into a storm-water drain at the OR Tambo (International) airport and Blaauwpan dam, a protected wetland about a kilometre downstream," said spokesperson Nicole Barlow.

The incident happened on November 6 this year, forcing some flights to be delayed for up to two hours.

Following the incident rapid response teams and animal rescuers battled to prevent contamination of the wetland and save several animals and birds.

Other spillages occurred on September 25 this year and in July last year.

"The combined amount of fuel spilt into the environmentally sensitive Blaauwpan wetland over the 16 month period is a staggering 1 530 000 litres of toxic fuel," she said.

"Three dockets were opened in Kempton Park and Acsa was charged under Section 151 of the National Water Act 36 of 1998."

She said the act stipulated that "no person may unlawfully and intentionally or negligently commit any act or omission which pollutes or is likely to pollute a water source".

Eleven employees of Acsa, including managing director, Monhla Hlahla, were also charged in relation to a sub section of the act.

"The act allows for employees and directors within an organisation to be charged individually with criminal negligence."

Barlow did not know when the Acsa employees would appear in court.

"The investigating officer is still collecting information and once he is done, the matter will be handed over to a Kempton Park magistrate's court prosecutor."

Acsa spokesperson Solomon Makgale was not immediately available for comment.