The chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron, has raised concerns over increasing reports that SAPS officers are turning people away when trying to report a missing person, citing a non-existent 24-hour rule.

In recent weeks, the committee has been overwhelmed with complaints that SAPS members are still refusing to file missing person reports before the 24-hour mark.

“We must reiterate that there is no 24- or 48-hours rule that precludes members of the public from opening a missing person report,” Cameron stated. “A missing person report must be opened and investigated immediately. The refusal to open a missing person report is irresponsible and runs counter to the directive issued by the national commissioner of the SAPS. This is serious dereliction of duty and amounts to undermining of the SAPS code of conduct.”

The chairperson expressed concern about the failure to file such reports, particularly given the rising incidence of kidnappings in South Africa, underscoring that timely reporting and thorough investigation of missing person cases could be a matter of life or death.

“It is important for station-level leadership to enhance training of members to ensure that they are able to provide adequate service to the people. The people require quality service and this must be provided,” Cameron said.

He stressed the importance of public awareness regarding their rights. Cameron urged station-level leaders to adopt an open-door policy, allowing individuals to escalate concerns when officers refuse to file a missing person report.