Alarming rise in missing persons cases
With a significant increase in missing persons cases reported, the vulnerable citizens support initiative is calling for immediate community engagement.
The issue of missing persons in South Africa has reached alarming levels, prompting urgent calls for community awareness and action.
Bhaai Cassim, secretary for the Johannesburg Sub-District Community Police Board, highlighted the work of the vulnerable citizens support initiative (VCSI), a division of the Civilian Crime Intelligence Network (CCIN). This group of dedicated volunteers focuses on locating lost relatives and reuniting them with their families.
He reported that they had several cases in the Northcliff, Fairlands, and Sophiatown suburbs. “No community is immune. Every segment of society has been affected, from infants to the elderly.”
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He said that younger children often go missing, while many elderly cases are linked to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. “There is also a troubling trend of school children going missing. In the past year alone, VCSI handled over 226 cases, the majority centred around Gauteng, but including cases from across the country.”
He said that once a report is lodged, families can contact VCSI for assistance. “The organisation provides a questionnaire to gather essential information, as they have previously encountered false claims that wasted valuable resources. In cases of suspected kidnappings, VCSI immediately informs the Anti Kidnapping Unit (AKU) at SAPS.”
Dr Reza Patel, head of CCIN, emphasised the dramatic escalation in missing persons compared to previous years. “We have begun record-keeping and distribution to find out where these individuals are.”
He added that the reasons behind missing persons cases are varied and complex, including domestic issues, bullying, and even extortion. “We see a greater number of cases where people go missing due to fear, their environment, or personal relationships.”
Protocol for reporting a missing person:
- Report the missing person to the nearest SAPS Police Station, and complete and sign a SAPS 55(A) form.
- Take with some form of official identification of yourself and of the missing person, if possible.
- Produce a recent photograph of the missing person.
- Give a complete description of the missing person, including clothing worn, and any physical peculiarities, such as tattoos, as well as physical or mental disorders.
- Obtain an Occurrence Book number, or a CAS number, or a Missing Person’s Enquiry.
- Ask for details of the investigating officer, such as his/her name and the telephone number. Usually, they will only be allocated the case after it has been registered on the system.
- Submit any additional information as it becomes available.
- If the missing person is found or returns voluntarily, inform the investigating officer immediately. The reported missing person will have to report, in person, to the police station as proof of life has to be ascertained by SAPS.
- A SAPS 92 form must be completed to inform the Bureau of Missing Persons that they have been found, in order that the case docket can be closed.
The VCSI urges families to act quickly and report any missing persons without delay.
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