South African authorities are working jointly with Interpol to trace a woman from the United Kingdom (UK) who went missing after checking in for a flight home at Cape Town International Airport.

Naomi Gaynor Bernes (62) checked in at Cape Town International Airport on 20 April to fly back to the UK, but never boarded the aircraft and has not been seen since. She was formally reported missing on 12 May, after UK authorities attempted to contact her without success.

A family member in the UK approached the international policing organisation to request assistance in tracing Bernes in Cape Town, the office of the provincial police commissioner confirmed.

“The case is currently being treated as a concern and voluntary missing person case, with the primary objective of establishing whether she has been located and is safe,” said provincial police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk.

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Investigation ongoing

According to information provided by the family, Bernes had been in South Africa for personal reasons. “It is understood that she did inform her family of how long she intended to remain in the country,” Van Wyk added.

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) today confirmed that while its security team routinely assists the South African Police Service with CCTV footage to trace passenger movements, it had not yet been approached for assistance regarding this matter.

Van Wyk confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing and that no further information could be provided at this stage.

Anyone with information regarding Bernes’ whereabouts is urged to contact investigating officer Warrant Officer Yolande Van Der Merwe on 082 411 3808, or to call Crime Stop on 08600 10111.