Fears grow over missing Swiss doctor
A Swiss doctor, who went missing in South Africa nine days ago, is feared dead after his car was found with bloodstains just outside Johannesburg.
Ferenc Mayer, who has been working in Pretoria for the International Committee of the Red Cross since July last year, disappeared after leaving his office on December 18.
Now South African police have confirmed that Mayer’s car was found outside the country’s main business centre, Johannesburg.
Antonella Notari, an ICRC spokeswoman, said the company car had been equipped with diplomatic number plates, but when it was found the diplomatic plates had gone.
According to Notari, there were also bloodstains in the car, which is currently being tested to find out whether the blood belonged to Mayer or somebody else.
“Investigations are underway and we have no idea why he disappeared,” Notari said. “However, we are very worried.”
Mayer has worked for the ICRC for 17 years and is considered a very experienced and valuable member of staff.
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