Update: 4pm, 20 July 2018
Principal of Sandringham High School Phillip du Plessis has been found.
He had been missing since 4 July.
He is currently in the intensive care unit at the Charlotte Maxeke hospital in Parktown.
Family representative Ana Saunders du Plessis said that the family is happy that he is safe.
Updates to follow.
UPDATE: 12pm
The family of missing principal of Sandringham High School Phillip du Plessis said they are positive he is still alive.
He has been missing since 4 July and was using the school’s car the day he disappeared. It was traced to the parking lot of Carnival City Casino and it is alleged that he left the venue on foot.
Read: Sandringham police secure six convictions
His niece and family representative Ana Saunder du Plessis said they became worried when communication with him stopped two weeks ago. “He talks to his sister, Angela, a lot, so when she didn’t hear from him we realised something was wrong,” said Ana.
“We went to his house and he wasn’t there. He is extremely passionate about teaching, so when the school contacted us to say that he didn’t report for work. We knew something was wrong.”
She added that when they had visited his home, they noticed the animals had not been fed and his African grey parrot was dead.
Read: Sandringham police killer sentenced to life
The family checked with his medical aid to find out if he had checked in anywhere or if he was hurt. They also checked the state morgue.
“We have not found any trace of him.
Ana added that Phillip suffers from diabetes which could have contributed to his disappearance. “We all believe that he is still alive. We are all staying positive,” concluded Ana.
Initial story:
The principal of Sandringham High School has been reported missing after not appearing at school for two weeks.
Spokesperson for the Gauteng Department of Education Steve Mabona said 55-year-old Phillip du Plessis has been missing since 4 July.
Read: WATCH: Sandringham High principal happy, despite drop in results
Mabona said that Du Plessis was using the school’s car on the day he disappeared. Authorities traced the car to the Carnival City Casino parking lot.
Mabona added that video footage of Du Plessis entering the casino has been found but so far nothing has led to information regarding his whereabouts. Du Plessis lives alone in Brakpan with most of his family residing in Thabazimbi.
Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi visited the school on 19 July to give support to the teachers and deputy principal. The Gauteng Department of Education are circulating documents that will help find Du Plessis.
Read: UPDATE: Missing woman found dead in mortuary
A missing person case has been opened at the Brakpan Police Station.
Details: www.gauteng.gov.za
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