In December 2021, a man who was able to obtain a default judgment against South African Airways tried to seize an aircraft. It is a physically handicapped man from Zambia who had to relieve himself on the seat due to the lack of usability of the toilet.

The disabled passenger voluntarily did not do so and sued South African Airways in Zambia for damages because he felt humiliated. In the opinion of his lawyer, the carrier should have made the quiet place usable. Otherwise, this embarrassing accident for the man would not have occurred.

The incident occurred in 2019, but South African Airways did not react, so the passenger went to court. Since the carrier did not appear, the judge issued a so-called default judgment in favor of the plaintiff. This is actually enforceable, so the plaintiff tried to seize an SAA machine at Lusaka airport.

That went wrong, however, because according to local media reports there should have been support from the airport and a local airline from Zambia, so that the bailiff could not carry out the attachment. On top of that, it was a leasing aircraft, so the confiscation should have been lifted anyway. According to local reports, the bailiff was only able to seize computers, office furniture, two printers and a few other items in the local South African office. However, these are not enough to bring in the awarded amount.

In the meantime, the carrier is said to have started a legal attempt to combat the default judgment. It remains to be seen whether this will be crowned with success or whether the disabled man will quickly get the money claimed.