It is unimaginable that one of your family members could go missing.
But if does happens, would you know what to do? What are the steps to follow and who do you call?
In the past few months there have been a number of reports of missing persons, with an increase in the number of young women going missing.
The South African Police Service recently posted on their Facebook page the process to follow when someone goes missing.

“When a person goes missing, it is of the utmost importance for the police to fulfil 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,” read the post

According to the police, there is no waiting period to report a missing person.

The best way one can assist them in a missing persons case is to report the missing person at your nearest police station immediately.

You will have to give a complete description of the person’s last whereabouts, the clothes the person was wearing, as well as any other information that can assist the investigating officer.

They will also need a recent photo of the person.

A SAPS 55(A) form needs to be filled out and signed. This form safeguards the police from any hoax reports and indemnifies the police to distribute the information and photos of the missing person.

Make sure you get the investigating officer’s contact details to keep in touch, and to send any additional information that becomes available.

If the missing person is found or returns voluntarily, the investigating officer must be informed immediately. A SAPS 92 form must then be completed to inform the Bureau of Missing Persons that the person has been found and the report can be removed from circulation.

“Let us be vigilant and work collectively to keep families together and safe,” the Facebook post ended.