UPDATE: ‘Missing’ Lino Viera Belo left the country voluntarily and is safe
The publication apologises for using the words ‘fled’ and ‘escaped’ in relation to Belo and has retracted the article containing these words.
Today, 11 days after the Vulnerable Citizens Support Initiative (VCSI) and SAPS appealed to the public to help find Lino Viera Belo, the Roodepoort Record can confirm that he is safe and well.
Belo is currently in Portugal receiving medical treatment. Speaking via Zoom, he explained that he was never “missing” and had informed his loved ones on August 8 of both his travel plans and the reasons for his trip. Contrary to earlier reports, the Parkinson’s patient confirmed he has had the necessary medication with him at all times.
In a subsequent article, since retracted, the publication quoted a woman who identified herself as his daughter. She claimed Belo had “fled the country” and referred to “an escape”, but later withdrew her statement.
Belo objected to these terms, stating that he was simply an innocent man boarding a life-saving flight. The Record confirmed with police that he is no longer considered a missing person. Police further clarified that he has never been a suspect in any investigation. Belo also confirmed that he has no daughter, is not married, and that the person quoted was not a family member.
The Record sincerely apologises for using the words “fled” and “escaped” in relation to Belo and confirms that the article in question has been unreservedly retracted.
Original reporting on August 9, 2025:
The Vulnerable Citizens Support Initiative (VCSI) is appealing to the community for assistance in locating 54-year-old Lino Viera Belo, who went missing from his home in Radiokop on Friday morning, August 8. He was last seen leaving his home at about 08:33.
• Description of Lino Viera Belo:
* Height: about 1.68m
* Weight: 72kg
* Hair: dark brown with a receding hairline
* Eyes: brown
* Tattoo: inner right arm
* Last seen wearing: black jeans and a black puffer jacket
If you have any information about Belo’s whereabouts or have seen him, contact Honeydew SAPS on 082 337 1426. Alternatively, you can call any of the VCSI contact people listed below:
* Corinda: 083 304 2118
* Mahmood: 082 443 2245
* Sunine: 076 451 0080
Anonymous tip-offs can also be sent via WhatsApp or SMS to 082 443 2245. All information will be treated with strict confidentiality.
