Report police officers who can’t help open a missing person report
"If an officer does not want to help you, you have the right to report them to the station commander."
People who suspect that their relative or friend had gone missing should report the matter immediately, says police.
“People should not wait for 24 hours to file for a missing person report,” said police spokesperson Captain Augustinah Selepe.
“They should report the matter immediately at the nearest police station.”
Selepe said it was wrong for people to be turned away by police when filing for a missing person’s report.
“If an officer does not want to help you, you have the right to report them to the station commander of that particular police station,” Selepe said.
“People should not be treated badly for reporting any case. If they feel that they are being ill-treated by an officer, they should really take it up with the commander in charge.”
A statement on the SAPS website states that it is utmost importance for the police to fulfil their mandate to serve and protect the citizens of South Africa, especially when a person went missing.
“It is essential to take steps and start the investigation into a missing person’s case immediately,” it read.
When reporting a missing person at a police station, one should:
– Provide 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 from distributing the photograph and information of the missing person.
– Obtain the investigating officer’s contact details, and send any additional information that might become available.
The police said if a missing person was found, the investigating officer must be informed 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.”
A list of missing people can be accessed at the national and regional offices of the bureau or the Pink Ladies (organisation for missing people) social media pages.
ALSO READ:
https://www.citizen.co.za/rekord/171438/report-abuse-missing-people-immediately-government/
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