Port Elizabeth police have issued an urgent appeal for information on the whereabouts of an Ironman athlete from Gabon, David Rene Roger Bellet-Brissaud, who went missing in the early hours of Friday morning.
Police spokesperson, Colonel Priscilla Naidu, said that according to information Bellet-Brissaud and his wife booked into the Paxton hotel in Port Elizabeth.
“He was in Port Elizabeth to participate in the Iron Man Africa Championship. After settling in, the couple took a walk on the beachfront and later dined with friends (other participants from Gabon) at the Boardwalk complex,” she said.
“At about 21:00, they retired to their rooms. It is further alleged that at about 01:00 this morning (Friday), his wife woke up and noticed that her husband was not in the room and has been missing ever since” Naidu said.
She said CCTV footage shows Bellet-Brissaud leaving his room and walking out the hotel and down the street.
“It is not clear in which direction he walked once on the main road. He did not take his wallet or cell phone with him,” Naidu said.
“He was wearing a black hoody top with the words ’Adidas’ on the sleeves, blue jeans and takkies. He wears prescription glasses and sports a beard. His hair is slightly long.”
“He does not speak fluent English. It is the first time that the couple is visiting Port Elizabeth and this would have been his first race. He is not familiar with the place,” Colonel Naidu said.
Anyone who may have seen Bellet-Brissaud or may provide any information of his whereabouts is asked to contact D/W/O Eric Mathews at SAPS Humewood on 083380 3714 or Crime Stop 08600 10111 or SAPS Humewood on 041 5045019.
