Capt Jan Nel, sector two manager and operations commander, WO Clinton Williams, Capt Johannes Ramphora, police spokesperson and Barries Barnard from Hi5 Kids Recovery Unit sat down with the Addie.
Capt Nel says the problems they are experiencing in the department are that children reported missing are often not missing, but have either run away for various reasons or they were found at a friend’s house.
False reports
“What many people do not understand is that a docket is opened for every missing person report filed at the police station,” says Nel.
“Every docket must be investigated and viewed as a serious case.”
People allegedly often open missing person cases at the station without knowing the seriousness of it.
When a child ignores parents’ orders and goes out, some parents allegedly go to the station to open a case to scare their children.
This completely messes with the police’s official statistics.
“It’s a serious thing when a docket is opened and if that child is found with a person over 18, that person will immediately be arrested,” says Nel.
It’s also an enormous waste of manpower which, if not a legit missing person case, can be spent on other serious crimes.
Barries say there is no 24-hour waiting period to report someone missing.
“That is a complete and utter myth.”
What must parents do in the case of a missing child?
Approach the police immediately.
Open a missing person case and tell the police everything you know.
“First of all, people must not lie,” says Nel.
Always tell the truth as this will not hinder the investigation and may give police a place to start looking as soon as possible.
Have a hard-copy photo with you so the police can immediately open the docket and spread the word.
Give contact numbers and possible locations.
As soon as you have a case number, contact Hi 5 Kids Recovery Unit to assist police in the search for the child.
Be careful
Barries say people definitely must not distribute their child’s photo on their own or spread it on Facebook with their contact number.
“If it turns out that your child is at a friend or ran away for a legitimate reason, everyone will know and your number will be available to anyone.
“Unsavory characters may see your child’s photo, take your contact number and name, and phone you to tell you they have your child, but demand money first.
“And then it turns out they never had your child, but used the opportunity to take their photo and manipulate you.”
Barries add that you are putting a target on your child’s back if you send out their photo.
Parents must not:
“If parents know or strongly suspect where their child might be, they must not go to the house themselves,” says Capt Nel.
Parents must immediately approach the police station and go with police officers to the house.
“Parents of missing children must not switch their phones off. They must be reachable at all times,” says Barries.
You can be arrested
If a child, who has been reported missing, is found at an adult’s house, you can be arrested and charged with abduction.
Do not keep the child with you.
“If a child comes to your house and says they ran away because they are being abused, report to the police immediately,” says Barries.
“You have to inform the authorities.”
Contact the police on 011 365 5719/20 and the Hi5 Kids Recovery Unit on their 24-hour number 081 575 4477.
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