Missing loved ones? Here’s how to avoid the strain
The biggest mistake that individuals make is assuming that there is a waiting period before the matter can be brought unto the attention of police officials, says Missing Persons South Africa National Case Officer Bianca van Aswegen
POLOKWANE – Keeping in mind the recent disappearances of Roelof Harmse and Jaco Smit, light was shed upon the panic and mayhem surrounding the disappearance of a loved one.
According to Missing Persons South Africa National Case Officer Bianca van Aswegen, the biggest mistake that individuals make is assuming that there is a waiting period before the matter can be brought unto the attention of police officials.
“The quicker a person is reported as missing the faster everyone can get to work in order to locate their whereabouts. Various avenue’s can be utilized in obtaining the goal of finding the missing person and social media is one of the best, since the news of a missing person spreads like wild fire and more often than not the public seems really concerned and are eager to help. The most important information that should be provided readily at hand is the missing persons name, surname and age, when and where the person was last seen, the clothes the individual was wearing, hair and eye colour, approximate height and weight, as well as a recent photo.
All this information is needed by the South African Police Department in order to fill out the SAPS55 missing persons form, and this information must also be given to us so as to start the process. As soon as we have all the information we immediately create a pamphlet and share it over all social media platforms, and help with search parties on ground level,” she explained.
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She also added the importance of contacting Missing Persons South Africa to ensure that they get to work and leave no stone un-turned in locating the whereabouts of a loved one. “I have seen and heard the panic of family members that do not know where their loved ones are, and we approach each individual case extremely passionate, knowing that it might have different demands but in the end it is an amazing payoff when the loved one is located and unharmed” she added.
Missing Persons South Africa can be contacted on 072 647 7464 (072missing).
You may also want to read: Report them missing immediately – The Pink Ladies
