Always carry identification info
The South African Support Initiative (Sasi) is warning the community to be vigilant this festive season.
Sasi is dedicated to liaising with the community, the SAPS and the Hawks to track down and resolve missing persons and and sex trafficking cases.
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Vice chairperson Mike Venter previously explained that Sasi really serves the SAPS.
He warns that during the festive season the initiative sees an increase of drinking and driving, vehicle theft and armed robbery cases.
Venter also said there is usually a significant increase in missing person cases.
He emphasised there is a misconception about a waiting period to report missing people, but he said that is a myth.
Benoni SAPS spokesperson Const Zama Madonda also confirmed this, saying people can immediately report people as missing.
“We cannot do anything unless a SAPS 55 (a) [missing person’s case] has been filed with the SAPS,” he said.
He said there are seven main reasons why people go missing and it should be reported as soon as possible.
Family abductions
Venter explained that these situations can be civil or criminal cases.
Sasi only intervenes in criminal cases.
He explained this happens when a parent has legal guardianship of a child, but the child is taken by another parent.
“These types of kidnappings pick up during the festive season,” he said.
People taken
“We recently had a case where a woman was hitchhiking on the N1. We know she was taken but we are unsure what happened – all we know is that she is very rattled,” he said.
He urged the community to travel safely.
Hijackings
“Hijackings definitely pick up during the festive season,” said Venter.
He said people must be careful when they arrive home and check their driveways and the area between their houses and gates.
He also said people must be careful about being followed.
Suicides
Venter said suicidal people sometimes leave their homes and only leave a suicide note.
“This is when time especially, is of the essence,” he said and explained they need to be found before they harm themselves.
He said they know of children as young as seven years old who have committed suicide.
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group’s suicide hotline is 0800 567 567.
Alcohol and substance abuse
“It can be a combination of drugs and alcohol and once people go into the streets, it is very difficult to find them,” said Venter.
He said an increase of alcohol consumption during this time is also a challenge for Sasi.
“Family disputes are often a problem and people don’t realise how many of our resources we use to find a missing person,” he explained.
He said people must be considerate of this and let family members know they are safe.
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group’s substance abuse hotline is 0800 12 13 14 or you can send an SMS to 32312.
Elderly diseases
Venter explained it is easy for perpetrators to prey on the elderly, especially if they suffer from memory impairing illnesses such as Parkinson’s disease, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
He said all those with an elderly relative suffering from one of these diseases must fit their loved one with a personal tracker as many of them don’t carry cell phones.
Vehicle accidents
“When people are in vehicle accidents and don’t have proper identification with them it can be a challenge to get hold of their families,” he explained.
He also said cellphones are not sufficient as most people have a lock function on their phones, so when victims are unconscious or deceased, the police cannot establish or contact the next of kin.
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