Family weeps at appeal for information over Dalibor ‘Dale’ Pantic’s disappearance

The family of a missing man remains hopeful as the search continues for the “loving dad” two months after his disappearance. But police do not share their optimism for the suspected murder victim.

Dalibor’s Pantic father Jovan and sister Bozina with his daughters Maya and Klara. Picture: David Crosling

The family of a man missing for more than two months has tearfully pleaded for information regarding his disappearance, with police holding “grave concerns” for the man’s life.

Father of five Dalibor “Dale” Pantic was last seen on the evening of April 10 when he caught up with a friend at a farm at Perry Bridge in East Gippsland.

The 38-year-old left the property, near Sale, at about 7pm, intending to drive to Melbourne.

But Mr Pantic, who is from Lakes Entrance, did not arrive and has had no contact with family since.

His fiance reported him missing on April 13. His family today offered a $10,000 reward for information regarding his whereabouts.

His family wept as they appealed for more information. Picture: David Crosling

Clutching the hands of their aunt Bozina Pantic like a lifeline, young daughters Maya, 11, and Karla, 14, tearfully told of their “loving” dad.

“He was the best dad ever,” Maya said. “Bring my dad back.”

Pantic’s ex-partner Katerina sat to the side, arm in arm with Pantic’s mother Rezica and watched on as the girls and their grandfather, Jovan Pantic, bravely fronted the media.

“I don’t believe somebody killed him,” Mr Pantic said. “In my mind I think very positive.”

But Mr Pantic’s hope was not echoed by Missing Person Squad Detective Acting Inspector Julian Horan, who said that there was no evidence pointing towards Mr Pantic still being alive.

Dale Pantic has been missing for two months.

“The fear that we hold is that he has been killed,” Inspector Horan said.

“The proof of life inquiries we have conducted over the last two months have no record of him being alive since that day.

“It’s very unusual for Dale to not be in contact with his family.”

Inspector Horan confirmed that Mr Pantic’s links to local drug organisations in Lakes Entrance, Sale and Bairnsdale contributed to the police’s belief that he was no longer alive.

His mobile phone was found on May 1 at Wurruk being held by a person linked to the local drug scene.

The phone had been with Mr Pantic when at Perry Bridge the day he vanished.

MISSING MAN’S CAR SEEN AFTER HE VANISHED

It comes after police revealed that Mr Pantic’s car was driven around Melbourne in the days after he was last seen alive.

It is unclear who was driving Mr Pantic’s silver 2005 Ford sedan, registered 1NK 8BP, in the days after he left for Melbourne that day.

The first sighting was at a service station inbound on the Princes Freeway at Officer at 12.28am on 12 April.

It was captured by cameras twice later that day travelling outbound on Eastlink

Police have released images of distinctive non-standard wheel rims on Mr Pantic’s Ford.

Police say they have “strong concerns” for his welfare.

Dale Pantic’s car was first spotted at a service station on the Princes Freeway at Officer on April 12.

The car had distinctive wheel rims.

It was seen after Mr Pantic had gone missing.

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Missing persons squad acting detective Insp. Julian Horan said investigators believed there were members of the community who knew what had happened.

“Dale has a close relationship with his five kids and was making the long drive to Melbourne and back to Lakes Entrance in one day in order to meet up with two of his daughters the following day,” Insp. Horan said.

“Dale hasn’t been active on any of his social media accounts, accessed his bank accounts or made contact with any family members.

Mr Pantic is about 178cm tall and of solid build, with brown hair and brown eyes.

Anyone who sights him of the Ford can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit the website to make a confidential report on crimestoppersvic.com.au

Originally published as Family weeps at appeal for information over Dalibor ‘Dale’ Pantic’s disappearance