#HelpFindLee: What to do when someone goes missing
Follow these steps to report a missing loved one
The number of missing persons cases for both adults and children is on the rise. Do you know what to do when someone you love goes missing?
We have all heard, “You have to wait 24 hours before you can file a missing persons report.” According to the South African Police Service ( SAPS) this is a myth as there is no waiting period to file a missing persons report.
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 immediately.
By doing this, you will assist the police to fulfil their mandate of serving and protecting South African citizens and they can start investigating the case immediately.
When reporting a missing person to the police, you need the following information:
– If possible, a recent photograph of the missing person
– A detailed description of the missing person’s last whereabouts, clothes the person was wearing as well as any other information that may assist the investigating officer
– A SAPS 55(A) form should be completed and signed by the person filing the report. This is to safeguard the police against any hoax reports as well as allowing them to distribute the photograph and information of the missing person.
The investigating officer’s (IO) details should be kept at hand to keep him/ her up to date. Any additional information should be sent through to the IO.
– Should a missing person be found – or returns voluntarily – the IO should be informed immediately. To inform the Bureau of Missing Person that the missing person’s report can be removed from the circulation system, a SAPS 92 form must be completed.
After filing the report with the police, you can also contact the Pink Ladies organisation to assist. They are a registered non-governmental organisation (NGO) consisting of a group of independent volunteers who work closely with the police to help locate missing persons.
After reporting the case to the police, a form can be downloaded from the Pink Ladies website (https://www.pinkladies.org.za/), completed and mailed back to them on missing@pinkladies.org.za.
According to this website, you can do the following to ensure your loved ones, especially children, are kept safe:
– Always be involved with your children.
– Make sure you know their friends and with whom they hang out.
– Unless you know the situation is proven as safe, never allow your children to be without adult supervision.
– You should pay close attention to any behavioural changes in your children, as it might be an indication of other underlying problems.
– Look out for signs of physical abuse.
– Educate them on the dangers lurking online, as well as in real life.
– Know your community.
– Most importantly, love your kids and make sure they know it.
Families are very vulnerable in this day and age, and we need to be vigilant and work together to keep them safe from harm.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
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