What to do when somebody goes missing

You have a feeling that a loved one is missing, but have no idea what to do and to who to report it.

October 20, 2016

1 minute read

Tryna Maritz, Crystal Park SAPS communications officer, said people must report a person missing as soon as they believe they have disappeared.

“When reporting a missing person, please note that there is no waiting period,” she added.

“The complainants can report a missing person immediately, at their nearest police station.”

She said people will be asked to do the following:

•Produce a recent photo of the missing person

•Give a complete description of the missing person ’s last whereabouts, clothes or any other information that might help the SAPS

•Complete and sign a SAPS 55 (a) (circulation of missing person) form at the police station.

The SAPS 55 (a) contains the following:

•Information on the missing person

•Build, mass, hair, length

•Places frequently visited by the person

•Clothes worn during the disappearance

•Language information

•Deformities

•Tattoos or scars

•Educational background

•Vehicle used

•Personal jewellery

•Hobbies

•Indicate if the person was missing previously

•Additional information that might assist police.

Following this information, a police officer will be assigned to the case.

The complainant must ensure that they have the officer’s contact details and keep contact with the investigating officer.