Tips: How to report a missing person
“We would like to inform the community that there is no waiting period to report their missing loved ones.”
The Rietgat police said earlier this week, that it was important to report missing persons as soon as they disappeared.
Captain Stephen Maluleka said there was no waiting period to report missing loved ones.
“As the police service we want families to avoid losing valuable time trying to contact friends and relatives. Instead we want to use all the resources at our disposal to act as swiftly as possible in finding the missing person safe,” said Maluleka.
“As the SAPS, we are better equipped to establish whether the missing person was a victim of crime, a casualty in an accident or if the person was arrested for one or other reason.”
He said that statistics with regards to missing children have shown that it was crucial to immediately start with an investigation and search for these children “as we would not know whether these children are victims of crime or not”.
“Parents are also encouraged to teach children the importance of using the phone to call home or parents’ workplace. Furthermore, teach them to know their full names, address, phone number and make sure that they do not accept rides from strangers.”
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Maluleka said children should be taught to immediately inform parents if another adult was suggesting that they keep secrets from them (parent).
“Lastly, parents should never leave their children unattended at malls, public gatherings or anywhere that they feel their safety can be compromised,” he said.
“To report a missing person, a complainant must have detailed information of the person that may include but not limited to a recent photo, description of the clothes the person was wearing when last seen, height, colour and any additional information such as the person is stuttering or deaf for example.
“Whoever reports the missing person must also keep in contact with the investigating officer for any leads from their side.”
Maluleka said it was important to note that when the missing person returned home, the police should be informed so that the inquiry could be closed.
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