Edgemead residents are shocked at the disappearance of one of their own, Western Province Athletics Association financial board member, Allen Barnes.
Mr Barnes was meant to attend the Straggler’s Beachcomer race in Strandfontein on Saturday January 4.
According to the chairperson of the Cape Town Sport Council, Elton Davids, Mr Barnes never arrived at the race.
Mr Barnes is reported to have left his Edgemead home around 3.30am and is understood to have been heading for the race.
According to Bothasig SAPS spokesman, Warrant Officer Jacques Mostert, 53-year-old Mr Barnes was reported as missing by his family on Saturday. He said the silver Toyota Corolla belonged to Mr Barnes’s fiancée.
“When he did not attend an athletic event in Strandfontein, it appeared odd, and he was reported missing. The vehicle he was using was recovered on Sunday January 5 at Cape Town International Airport. It is believed that he may have been at Grand West Casino after leaving his residence and before the vehicle was left at Cape Town International,” he said.
Edgemead residents and people across Cape Town have shared the news of Mr Barnes’ disappearance nearly 5 000 times on various Facebook pages in the past few days. The Edgemead Neighbourhood Watch is also working with police to help find Mr Barnes.
Mr Davids said he had been in contact with the family but they did not want to speak to the media.
Citing a reliable source, the Cape Times reported on Tuesday that Mr Barnes had boarded a flight and that the investigation into his whereabouts had been extended to Johannesburg.
However, Warrant Officer Mostert said he could not confirm that.
Anyone with information can contact the investigating officer Detective Sergeant Quinton Stuurman during office hours at 021 558 3688 or 079 894 0095, or Crime Stop at 08600 10111.