Reporting a missing person – everything you need to know

Although you may think you will never be faced with having to report someone as ‘missing’, it is always best to be prepared should the day ever arrive.

Also read: Elderly woman dies, gagged in Upper Tongaat farm attack

While there was initially a 24 hour waiting period before being able to report a missing person, the SA Police Service has made it clear that there is no longer any waiting period and reports can be made immediately.

You can assist the SAPS when reporting a missing person by following these steps:

• Report a missing person at your nearest police station immediately.
• Produce a recent photograph of the missing person if possible.
• Give a complete description of the missing person’s last whereabouts, clothes that 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.

Umhlali SAPS can be contacted on 032-947 9900, and Tongaat SAPS on 032-944 9901. KwaDukuza SAPS can be reached on 032-551 8287.

Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 061 718 4438.

Please read our WhatsApp broadcast list disclaimer.
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram