By Fifi Rhodes WINDHOEK Last Friday will hopefully be remembered as the day the first baggage-sealing machine was installed at Hosea Kutako Airport in an effort to curb the snatching of items from travellers’ baggage. A South African businessman, Kasper Diedericks, was all smiles as his machine was used to wrap one parcel after the other, and which were safely transported to the airport cargo division. Diedericks said the machine adds value to the airport and is the first of its kind in Africa, where travellers’ luggage can from now on be safe if sealed before loading. Bank Windhoek, who financed the business deal, said it identified the need together with their clients. A happy Mr Diedericks informed New Era that insurance claims against airports are reaching the alarming rate of at least N$200ÃÆ’Æ‘ÀÃ…ÃÆ”šÃ‚ 000 per month. “How many times does one hear of passengers complaining of mis-sing electronic goods that went missing after they sent it through the baggage controls at airports? It gives a bad impression of that country. “We want to help reduce the theft of valuable items and make Namibia safe at the entrance port for any holidaymaker or visitor. People were warned to be careful not to send anything through that was not properly closed or locked.” Items that have gone missing at most airports are mostly jewellery, electronic gadgets and other valuable goods that can easily be put into one’s pocket, he said. The new machine was bought in The Netherlands and is a bonus to the Hosea Kutako airport, said Ockert Zeelie, senior manager of Bank Windhoek. The machine safeguards your suitcase or bag against scratching, rough handling, and surely adds a reduction in thefts.