According to the South African Police Service, when a person goes missing, it is of the utmost importance for the police to fulfil their mandate to serve and protect the citizens of South Africa.
The police stated that there is no waiting period to report a missing person. It is essential to take steps and start the investigation into a missing person’s case immediately.
You can assist the police when reporting a missing person by following these steps:
- 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 police from hoax reports and indemnifies the police 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.
“Let us be vigilant and work collectively to keep families together and safe,” the police concluded.
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