How to report a missing loved one to the police
In the event of a loved one going missing, time is of the essence and that is why it is important to report a missing person to your nearest police station. Here's how.
When a person goes missing, one doesn’t always know where to start.
Also read: Still no trace of 13-year-old boy missing since April 2022
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), there is no waiting period to report a person as missing.
“When a person goes missing, it is of the utmost importance for the police to fulfil our mandate to serve and protect the citizens of South Africa. 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,” information on the police’s website states.
Also read: Teen girl reported missing: ‘She was last seen going to school’
• 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.
Let us be vigilant and work collectively to keep families together and safe.
Source: https://www.saps.gov.za/services/report_missing_person.php
