The Sandringham High School principal who went missing on July 4 was found on Friday in the Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital in Johannesburg.

Gauteng Department of Education spokesperson Steve Mabona said Phillip du Plessis was allegedly hit by a car in Brakpan on July 5 and rushed to the hospital some 30 kilometres away.

“He is in a critical but stable condition receiving necessary care in the ICU. We are happy that he was found and also wish him a speedy recovery. Our prayers are with him and his family during this difficult time.”

Mabona said they became suspicious when Du Plessis did not show up for work on Tuesday when schools reopened.

According to a missing person's poster circulated on the South African Teachers Facebook page‚ Du Plessis was last seen at Carnival [Mall] in Brakpan.

Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi will visit the family on Monday.