South African citizens no longer have to wait to report a missing person, the SAPS announced.

Police spokesperson Warrant-Officer Johan van Dyk said this will help the police take action as soon as possible.

“The moment you realise that the person is missing, quickly visit the nearest police station to open a case.

“You should also make sure that you bring relevant information such as height, last seen, friends and clothes they were wearing.”

Van Dyk added that waiting for 24 or 48 hours makes it difficult for the police to follow up on a lead.

Steps to follow when reporting a missing person:

– Report a missing person at your nearest police station immediately.

– Produce a recent photograph of the missing person, if possible.

– Give a complete description of the missing person’s last whereabouts, clothes that they were wearing, as well as any information that can assist the investigating officer.

– Complete and sign a SAPS 55(A) form. This form safeguards the SAPS from hoax reports and indemnifies the SAPS to distribute the photograph and information of the missing person.

– Obtain the investigating officer’s contact details, and send any additional information that might become available.

– If a missing person is found or returns voluntarily, inform the investigating officer immediately.

A SAPS 92 form must be completed to inform the Bureau of Missing Persons that the missing person’s report can be removed from the circulation system.