Tips to remember when someone goes missing

With the number of missing people increasing on a daily basis, the Roodepoort Police Station has provided answers to the questions most frequently asked by the relatives and friends of the missing person.

Community members always ask whether there is a waiting period to report a missing person.

“When a person goes missing, it is of the utmost importance the police to fulfill 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,” said Captain Juanita Yorke, the Roodepoort Police Station’s spokesperson.

Also Read:

https://www.citizen.co.za/roodepoort-record/2019/06/10/witpoortjie-teenager-missing/

Below are some of the tips that need to be followed:

*There is no waiting period to report a 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, the clothes they were wearing, as well as any information that could 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 enable them 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 to him.

*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,” concluded Yorke.