Police urge residents to report missing persons immediately
"As the police 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 swiftly."
Rietgat police have urged the community to act swiftly in reporting a missing person as there was no waiting period.
Police spokesperson Captain Stephen Maluleka said a missing person was someone whose whereabouts were unknown and whose safety and welfare could not be determined.
“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.
“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.
“Statistics with regards to missing children have shown that it is 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,” Maluleka said.
He encouraged parents to teach their children the importance of using the phone to call home or parents’ workplace.
“Teach them to know their full names, addresses, phone numbers and make sure that they do not accept rides from strangers.
“These children should also be taught to immediately inform parents if another adult is suggesting that they keep secrets from their parents,” said Maluleke.
“Parents should never leave their children unattended at malls, public gatherings or anywhere that they feel their safety can be compromised.”
Maluleka said to report a missing person, a complainant must have detailed information of a missing person, that may include but not limited to, a recent photo of that missing person, description of the clothes the person was wearing, height, colour and any additional information (stutter, deaf).
“Whoever is reporting the missing person must also keep in contact with the investigating officer for any leads from their side.
“It is also important to note that when the missing person returns home, the police should also be informed of such developments so that a missing person’s inquiry can be closed and all stakeholders are also informed of the developments,” Maluleka said.
“The community is encouraged to call or visit any police station if they come across any person who is missing or alleged to be missing.
Alternatively, call 08600-10111 or Rietgat SAPS at 012-432 -7806.”
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