Cape Town - The family and health-care team of a woman with mental illness who went missing three days ago are worried about her safety.
Elke Lingenfelder, 31, was seen at about 4.30am on Tuesday, in Wynberg Old Village, near the Four and Twenty restaurant on Wolfe Street. She was wearing a grey wool jersey and leggings. A few hours later, a report alleged she had escaped from Philippi SAPS.
A family representative, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “Elke was last seen at the Philippi East police station and surroundings. As far as we know, she took off on foot from there.
“She does not have her phone, wallet or car with her, and is in a fragile psychiatric state. She is probably scared and traumatised.
“As her family and health-care team, we just want her to be safe and receive the medical help he desperately needs. When this happened, she was visiting her family in Wynberg.
“Anyone who knows anything can call their nearest police station. The captain in charge of the docket is Captain Maartens at Wynberg police station.”
In her profile on her Facebook page, Lingenfelder describes herself as a loving, caring, fun and empathetic person. She has experience working as a pre-school assistant teacher, and she is currently working as a personal trainer.
SAPS spokesperson FC van Wyk confirmed the case, saying a missing person report/enquiry was opened at Fish Hoek SAPS. The case has since been transferred to Wynberg SAPS for further investigation. The search/investigations continue.