Joburg teen missing after trying to board flight to Israel

20 October 2016 - 14:04 By Julia Madibogo
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OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, which was substantially upgraded for the 2010 Soccer World Cup.
OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, which was substantially upgraded for the 2010 Soccer World Cup.
Image: AFP PHOTO

A Johannesburg teenager is missing after being turned back while trying to board a plane to Israel on Wednesday night.

Jordan Hirson (18) from Gallo Manor in Sandton was last seen on CCTV footage at OR Tambo International Airport where he was turned away by security officials.

“We do not know where he is. He does not have access to his bank account. We know that he has his passport and some cash. He did not take his cellphone with him. At this stage‚ we do not think that he boarded a flight‚” his aunt‚ Michelle Blumenau‚ said.

It is not yet clear what prompted the matric learner from Yeshiva College to pack his bags and leave‚ but his family has pleaded with community members to assist with his safe return.

“Hirson left yesterday evening at around 5.30pm from his home in Gallo Manor and took an Uber to the airport. He had two bags with him … We believe he wants to get to Israel. We do not know what his plan is or where he would go‚” Blumenau added.

He was last seen at the airport at around 6.30pm.

Hirson is described as short with a slim build‚ has brown hair‚ blue eyes and light brown hair. He weighs about 60-65kg and wears glasses.

A missing person case was opened at the Gallo Manor police station on Wednesday.

Yeshiva College: “As has been shared on various social media‚ one of our matric learners‚ Jordan Hirson‚ has been reported missing. We have reason to believe that he is making his way to Israel. We are working closely with the professional team leading the search and are doing all that we can to help from our side to ensure his safety. At this difficult time‚ our tefillot (prayers) are with his family for his safe return.”

– TMG Digital

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