Missing persons: Procedure and advice to follow

q When a family realises that they are missing a member of the family, they must react immediately.

If possible, they must do quick research and make phone calls to places and people this member normally visits.

If the family can’t find anything, they must immediately go to their nearest police station to report the person as missing. This report is called an SAPS 55 form.

They must also, if possible, supply the police with a recent colour photo of the missing person. The family must also have all the necessary particulars of the person and a detailed description available.

If the person disappeared with a motor vehicle, the family must supply the SAPS with the full details and registration number of this vehicle.

There are no time frames that must elapse before a person is reported as missing. Especially with minor children – it is very important to report this immediately.

It is very important that missing children are immediately reported to the nearest SAPS precinct. You will be issued with an OB number after the report has been filed.

q If you experience any problems in the family, go to your nearest counsellors to take immediate care of these problems. Do not wait until it is too late. There is a tendency for youngsters to run away lately, due to problems at home.

This is not acceptable. Take care of your children; they are a gift you received.

q Also, take notice of your friends and family when you are going to a party.

If strange people talk to your friends, find out who they are and what their intentions are. It is very important to know who you talk to in a club or at a party.

When you are drinking at a party or any other place, keep your drink with you; do not let someone put something in it.

Do not take anything from an unknown person; you might end up in hospital or worse.

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