(William D. Ezah, GNA Special Correspondent, Maputo Mozambique, courtesy, National Sports Authority)

Maputo, Mozambique, Sept. 14, GNA - The Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the 10th

All Africa Games has announced that 15 Ethiopian athletes are missing from the Games Village, 11 days into the competition in Maputo, Mozambique.

Penalva Cesar, Deputy Director of the LOC and a Spokesperson in an address at a press conference on Wednesday in Maputo, said they have received a confirmation from the Chef Mission of the Ethiopian delegation about the missing Ethiopians.

According to Cesar, the LOC has reported the incident to security officials who are conducting investigations in a bid to fish them out.

"We have alerted the Immigration officials and Police on our bothers and they are doing their best to fish them out.

"I know they will be arrested because we are bent on having a trouble free event and all the law enforcement agencies are on the alert to fish out anybody who engages in illegalities".Cesar noted.

He said any athlete who attempts to foment trouble or stay in Mozambique illegally will be dealt with according to the laws of the country.

Cezar, however, expressed satisfaction with the general organisation of the event.

"Though there were minor problems in some areas, I believe we have organised a very successful All Africa Games.

"We look forward to a memorable closing ceremony on Sunday since we have put in place the necessary preparations for the closing ceremony." He stated.

The incident of missing athletes has over the years been a characteristic of multi-sports events and the 10th All Africa Games seem not to be an exception as some athletes use such occasions to seek asylum or for greener pastures.