Prominent classic car dealer and businessman Egbertus “Bert” Scheepers has been missing since May 9. The 65-year-old, who spends a large amount of his time at a residence in Gordon’s Bay, was last seen on Thesen Island in Knysna.
The details of Scheepers’ disappearance remain a mystery, but according to police, CCTV footage shows him arriving home, but never leaving.
Scheepers is well-known as an avid car collector and dealer, and owns the House of Classic and Sports Cars in Main Road, Knysna.
All of his 120 vehicles are accounted for, and the Mercedes he was driving on the day of his disappearance is still to be found parked at his house.
According to Southern Cape Police Services spokesperson, Malcolm Poje, search efforts are still underway. A Search and Rescue K9 Unit has also been brought in to assist.
“The divers are searching the lagoon together with other role-players while neighbourhood watches and several residents have joined together and been assisting with the search,” he said. “Detectives have assessed CCTV footage and are following up all leads but to date, we do not have much more to work with. The search is ongoing.”
According to Poje, Scheepers left his home at 8am on the morning of his disappearance, before returning to the island later that same day. He has not been seen since then, and his personal belongings were all found in his home after he was reported missing the next day.
This is the second mysterious disappearance to occur on the Garden Route in a year.
Norwegian student Marie Ostbo (21) disappeared from Sedgefield while on holiday at a nearby backpackers’ in April 2018. She had been studying in France and arrived in Sedgefield along with a group of other international students for a leisurely holiday. She was last seen on the evening of her arrival.
Her cellphone, shoes and hat were found in proximity to where she was last seen, and she is still missing.
Picture: Supplied