Reporting a missing person is important and there is no time frame required to file a missing person report.
Anyone who notices a friend, relative or any family member is missing can report the disappearance to the nearest police station. The police will ask for the following information and a missing person file will be opened immediately:
* Date, time the person left or last seen.
* When he/she left did he /she reported where he/she was going to?
* Full details of the missing person, including their name, age, race and gender.
* Other relevant information like complexion, length, or any other noteworthy bodily features.
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“A photograph of the missing person may be requested. If it is not available at the time of making the report, the person reporting the matter may provide it later. Police may not send the person reporting the matter away unattended. It must never happen,” said Wentworth SAPS spokesman, Capt Mbuso Gumede.
A missing person report is circulated by the SAPS and a circulation number is given to a reporting person as a proof that a missing report has been opened.
The detective on call will then handle the matter, follow up and launch the search for the missing person.
A SAPS 55 form must be completed and filed in a case docket.
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The family member or friend who files the missing person report must ensure that when the person is found, that they notify police so that the case can be canceled and a statement of return taken from the reporting person.
“Reporting of a missing person is very important because a person may have been abducted, kidnapped or a crime of human trafficking may have been committed. Community members must at all times be vigilant and ensure children are safe. Always be aware of the transport means your children use to and from school,” added Capt Gumede.
Report any suspicious person or vehicles in your area to Crime stop on 08600-10111 or 10111. Call Wentworth SAPS on 031-451-6240/1/2.
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