Contrary to popular belief, there is no waiting period to report a missing person.

This was reaffirmed by the South African Police Service, which emphasised that when someone goes missing, ‘time is critical’, urging the public to report a missing person at their nearest police station immediately.

Here’s what you need to report a missing person:

• Produce a recent photograph of the missing person, if possible
• Give a complete description of the missing person’s last whereabouts, clothes they were wearing, as well as any 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 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
• 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.

RT #sapsHINT There is NO waiting period to report a #missing person. When someone goes missing, time is critical. Report a missing person at your nearest police station immediately. MEhttps://t.co/qbHH0Pnjgb pic.twitter.com/QXs9WLKwAE

— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) August 8, 2025