When a person goes missing, it is of the utmost importance for the police to fulfil their mandate to serve and protect the country’s citizens.

It is essential to take steps to start the investigation into a missing person’s case immediately.

There is no waiting period before you can report a missing person.

You need to report a missing person at your nearest police station immediately.

You can assist the police when reporting a missing person by taking the following steps:

• Produce a recent photograph of the missing person, if possible.
• Give a complete description of the missing person’s last whereabouts, the clothes that they were wearing and any other information that can assist the investigating officer.
• Complete and sign a SAPS 55(A) form. This form safeguards the SAPS from hoax reports and indemnifies the SAPS for distributing the photograph and information of the missing person.
• Obtain the investigating officer’s contact details and send any additional information that might become available.
• 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.